LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
A former NRL winger, who played for the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans, has expressed interest in the head coaching position for the women's national side of Papua New Guinea, known as the PNG Orchids.
Following the departure of Tahnee Norris earlier this month, the PNG women's team is actively seeking a new head coach in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC), which will take place in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
As they gear up to face Fiji, France, and New Zealand this October, David Mead has emerged as the first candidate to signify his interest in taking on the coaching role. He is confident in his ability to change the fortunes of the national team.
During his playing career, Mead represented Papua New Guinea internationally 15 times and participated in over 230 matches in the NRL and Super League with teams such as the Broncos, Titans, and Catalans Dragons from 2009 to 2022.
"I think me putting my hand up to get involved, obviously, I'm a proud Papua New Guinean," he shared with PNG media outlet TVWAN.
"I've had the opportunity to come to Australia, learn my skills in the rugby league area, played at the highest level and now I want to come back and give back to my country. Whether it's the men's team or the women's team, it doesn't really matter.
"I know the women's team has been struggling for a few years, so if I can come in and help out in any way that I can, I would love to."