Catalans sign David Mead

Catalans Dragons have announced the signing of PNG International David Mead on a three-year contract.

On signing with the Dragons, David Mead said: “My family and I are grateful for the opportunity the Catalans Dragons have given us.  My time at the Broncos under Wayne has been extremely enjoyable and now I look forward to learning all about the French culture when I join my new teammates, coaching staff and management at the Dragons in a few weeks.”

Mead, 29, can play at fullback, centre or winger.

Born in Port Moresby, he started his NRL career at the Gold Coast Titans in 2009 where he scored 67 tries in 147 games before moving to the Brisbane Broncos last season.

A Papua New Guinea international, New South Wales Country Origin and World All-Stars representative, he represented Papua New Guinea at the 2008, 2013 and 2017 World Cups and was the Kumuls captain for the last RLWC.

Catalans Dragons head coach Steve McNamara said: “David is a very exciting signing for our club and the Super League competition.”

“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. I am sure he will quickly become a favourite of the Catalans’ fans who will love seeing him in action.”

“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.”

“We as a club, and in particular Christophe Jouffret, have worked extremely hard to make this deal happen. Signing an overseas player of this pedigree is becoming more difficult and this is a real coup not only for ourselves but the Super League competition as a whole.”

Club CEO Christophe Jouffret added: “The first contacts with David and his agent Chris Orr have shown his motivation and enthusiasm to join our club. Signing the Papua New Guinea fullback was a fantastic opportunity for us. Given his performances with the Titans, Brisbane and more recently with the PNG, he will be a real threat in our backline. On behalf of the Catalans Dragons club, I would like to thank his agent Chris Orr and the Brisbane Broncos who have helped this transfer to happen.”