Mead to focus on juniors

By PARKER TAMBUA
NOW-RETIRED Papua New Guinea Kumul David Mead says he wants to help develop junior rugby league in the country as it is the only way the national team can be competitive against top-tier nations.
The 33-year-old Brisbane Bronco is visiting Port Moresby to engage in Bank South Pacific’s (BSP) community programmes as their ambassador.
Mead said yesterday that he was open to any coaching opportunities with the Kumuls.
But the winger said his immediate goal was to get involved in junior programmes.
“There are no direct plans for me to get involved with the Kumuls or SP Hunters in terms of coaching,” Mead said.
“But if I was approached to look at that type of role, I wouldn’t say ‘no’.
“I would be open to roles in helping PNG rugby league move forward.
“But my goal now is to help develop junior rugby league in PNG because there is a big gap.
“If we want to match Australia and New Zealand then we have to work closely with the juniors coming up.
“Getting involved with junior programmes is something I want to pursue.
“I will work closely with junior players.
“But if I was offered a coaching role in the national team then I’d have to weigh up my options.”
Meanwhile, Mead said he was looking at helping his Tubusereia village, Central, with proper facilities.
He said he would also focus on developing junior programmes in the village.