David Mead announces immediate retirement
Brisbane Broncos utility David Mead has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league, aged 33.
Mead played 171 NRL games for Broncos and Gold Coast Titans. He has scored 75 tries since making his debut in 2009.
He also spent three seasons with Catalans Dragons in Super League, making 58 appearances and scoring 29 tries.
The winger, full-back or centre also won 15 caps for Papua New Guinea, his last performance coming in the 24-14 win over Fiji in the mid-season Pacific test. He also captained his country of birth at the 2017 World Cup Down under.
He had previously ruled himself out of the 2021 World Cup in England.
David Mead: ‘I will always be grateful for my time playing footy’
Mead said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to the Broncos, Titans, Catalans, NRL and Super league for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream since 2009.
“This game has given and taught me a lot. I will always be grateful for my time playing footy.
“Thank you to all my teammates, the coaching staff and the many people who have been involved with the game over the last 14 years you have all played an important and valuable part in my development as a player and as a person.
“Thank you to my family who have been with me since day one. A special mention to my wife – you have been a big reason why I was able to play as long as I did.
“I look forward to experiencing the next chapter of our life together.”
Broncos boss Kevin Walters said: “Meady has been a great servant of rugby league both on and off the field and we have been lucky to have him here at the Broncos.
“His longevity in the game is testament to his professionalism and his attention to detail in his training and preparation for games, plus he is one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet.
“We wish David and his family all the best in the future and they will always be welcome here at the club.”
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