Former Super League and NRL winger declares interest in international coaching role

Former NRL and Catalans Dragons speedster, David Mead, has publicly declared his interest in a coaching role on the international stage.

The role of head coach for the Papua New Guinea women’s side is currently vacant, after previous boss Tahnee Norrish, resigned.

PNG’s RFL announced the decision earlier this week, whilst also stating that it will not affect preparations for next year’s World Cup.

The Orchids have not won a match in two years, when they beat Cook Islands in the 2023 Pacific Championships. Since then, the nation have had five fixtures, with losses coming in each of those, and the side only scoring four tries, too.

Mead expressed his want for the role via his Facebook, and whilst he has never held a coaching role before, he also hinted at some big nates that could join his staff ahead of next year’s competition.

He posted: “PNGRFL you have my number. I put my hand up to coach the Orchids. PS I know some great assistant coaches who are willing to help. One of their initials are J.O…”

He then was interviewed by a media outlet in PNG, ‘TVWAN‘, where he said: “I’m putting my hand up to get involved.

“I’m a proud Papua New Guinean, I’ve had the opportunity to come to Australia to learn my skills in the rugby league area. I’ve 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 I can come in and help out in any way that I can, I would love to.

“My goal or plan, is to come in and help and assist along those pathways with PNGRFL, making it as seamless as possible for girls playing in the local competitions or for their NRLW clubs to come in and perform for the Orchids.”

Mead represented Catalans between 2018 and 2020, and is also a 172-time NRL player, with the majority of those coming for the Gold Coast Titans in the early 2010’s.

He was selected for his nation at three World Cups, and was named captain of the side for the 2017 instalment.

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