Mead: “It’s Been a Great Journey as Kumul #227”

“It’s been a great journey with the PNG Kumuls. It means everything to me and my family. Whenever I put on the jersey I think of all the time my mum and siblings drove me to training and games. Without them I wouldn’t be there.”

These were the words of PNG LNG Kumuls Captain, David Mead as he prepares to make his last appearance in the red, black and gold colors against Fiji in tonight’s Pacific Test between the PNG Kumuls and the Fiji Batis in Australia.

Mead told ‘Inside PNG News’ he is excited to play and has dedicated his last Kumul game to his family, fans and followers of the game. 

The PNG born NRL star has also publicly announced he won’t be taking part in the Rugby League World Cup later this year. 

Mead said he would love to see the next generation of young players be given the same opportunity like him in 2008. 

“I was given this opportunity at the age of 19 years old and was able to make a career out of it,” Mead said. 

Mead was born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea as David Moore on the 4th November 1988. 

His childhood memories speak of him as an energetic kid playing footy at Tubuseria Village.

“Plenty of people have inspired me. When I was a kid, I loved playing footy with my friends. We would use empty bottles if we didn’t have a ball”, Mead said.

He moved to Australia when he was 12 years old and attended Kadina High School in Lismore, New South Wales. 

Between the ages of 13 and 18, he decided to play rugby league as a junior footballer for Lismore Marist Brothers. 

In 2008, he was offered a contract with NRL Team Gold Coast Titans and played in their NYC team. It was during this time he announced changing his name to David Mead to honor his aunt’s family who raised him in Australia. 

The same year, Mead’s performance landed him a spot for the PNG Kumuls in the Rugby League World Cup. This was Mead’s beginning of playing representative football. 

He represented Kumuls again in the 2008 and 2013 World Cup and Captained the PNG side in 2017. 

In 2009 Mead was part of the squad playing for the Pacific Cup and was named Player of the Year by the Rugby League International Federation. 

“Countless people have helped me along the way. I’ve met a lot of players and coaches who pushed me to be better,” Mead said. 

“Go after your dreams. If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to make it happen,” added Mead. 

Mead’s appearance tonight will be his 15th test match for the PNG Kumuls. 

PNG Kumuls Captain, David Mead with wife Taneal Mead and son.

“It’s a short week in camp, so it’s about enjoying each other’s company as much as we can. We have one more session and then the game.

“Yes it will be my very last and I am very grateful to have played since 2008 to now. So many people have helped get here. I’m excited for the game,” Mead said.