David Mead appeals to Wayne Bennett for a chance to take on his former club
DAVID Mead has appealed for Broncos coach Wayne Bennett not to axe him as he sweats on a showdown with his former club the Titans this Friday night.
Mead’s patient five-week vigil in the Intrust Super Cup paid dividends last Thursday night when he answered an SOS for Bennett to make his Broncos debut against the Roosters.
Selected at the eleventh hour after winger Corey Oates succumbed to a groin injury, Mead was outstanding, scoring the final try of the game to seal a 32-8 victory.
The former Titan finished with a game-high 19 runs, amassing 193 metres and producing four tackle busts, three offloads and one line-break in a fine flanker’s performance.
Oates is expected to be cleared of his groin complaint this week, but Mead is hoping Bennett keeps the faith, motivated by the prospect of returning to haunt the Titans.
“I would love to be there to face them (the Titans),” said Mead, who wore Titans colours in last year’s finals clash against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
“They are my old club and there’s a few teammates in there that I want to play against. Hopefully I do play.
“I guess there’s a point to prove, but my first thought will be doing my job for the Broncos and hopefully getting the result.
“I’m hoping to still stay in the side, but if it doesn’t happen, I will work hard and see what I have to improve on.”
Bennett admits the prospect of relegating Mead would be an agonising call after his flawless effort deputising for Queensland Origin winger Oates.
“I thought Dave Mead was outstanding (against the Roosters), I loved what he did,” Bennett said.
“It’s difficult decision to make because Corey Oates is a pretty fair player for us too.
“We’ll see what the week brings but I’m not looking forward to leaving David out of the team.
“If I have to, he’ll get plenty of opportunities this year if he isn’t picked this week.”
Mead has every incentive to take on the Titans. The 28-year-old played 147 games in eight seasons, but was often overlooked for his beloved fullback spot as coaches John Cartwright and Neil Henry controversially opted for Will Zillman.
When Titans hierarchy stalled on contract talks late last year, Mead made a brave call, taking a staggering $200,000 pay cut to seek a fresh start at the Broncos.
Mead seemed certain to start for the Broncos in round one, but a poor display in their World Club Series loss to Warrington opened the door for Tautau Moga.
“It’s a relief to get a chance, I had to stay pretty patient,” Mead said.
“I didn’t perform that well (in England) and then understandably Wayne went with ‘Tau’ (Moga) and it’s been working.
“I wouldn’t say I was worried (about his future). But an opportunity has opened up for me and hopefully I’ve done enough to stay in the side.”
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