Mead signs with Super League

AFTER leading the PNG Kumuls in the rugby league World Cup campaign through to the quarterfinals, skipper David Mead, pictured, has signed a three-year contract with the Catalans Dragons in the Super League.
The 29-year-old back line utility will join another PNG Kumul in the French club in veteran Paul Aiton.
After a one-year stint with the Brisbane Broncos with 13 appearances under coach Wayne Bennett, Mead will now make Southern France his new home.
This will make it a total of four current Kumul players entering the Super League next season, including Kato Ottio’s in the Widnes Vikings line up and Garry Lo at Castleford Tigers.
Mead told BBC that he and his family were grateful for the opportunity Catalans Dragons have provided which would see the Kumuls skipper offering his expertise to the Steve McNamara-coached side.
Having spent most of his career with the Gold Coast Titans before joining the Broncos and now off to France, Mead has always been one of PNG’s favourite sons in rugby league and will bring a wealth of experience to the Dragons.
“My family and I are grateful for the opportunity the Catalans Dragons have given us,” Mead told BBC.
“My time at the Broncos under Wayne (Bennett) has been extremely enjoyable and now I look forward to learning all about the French culture when I join my new team mates, coaching staff and management at the Dragons in a few weeks,” Mead said.
McNamara told the BBC that Mead’s signing was great news and he believed that he would be an asset to the club.
“His blistering speed and attacking assets have been proven in the NRL over a number of years and these were further enhanced with his recent performances for Papua New Guinea,” the former England boss said.
“Captaining his country also created the perfect opportunity for him to show his leadership qualities and we look forward to seeing this part of his game grow further with the Catalans Dragons.”