David Mead injury boost for Papua New Guinea

Catalans say centre David Mead should be available for Papua New Guinea’s test matches against Fiji and Great Britain in November, despite his recent injury.

Mead, 30, fractured his eye socket and cheekbone in the 24-6 defeat to Hull KR, which saw him miss the final two games of the season against Huddersfield and Wigan.

He will not be fit to take part in the World Cup Nines tournament, but should recover for the match against Fiji on November 9, which forms part of a double-header with New Zealand against Great Britain at Christchurch.

The former Gold Coast and Brisbane back has scored nine tries in 13 tests for Papua New Guinea, his last appearance coming in the World Cup quarter-final defeat to England in 2017.

Catalans reported no fewer than 10 players carrying injuries in their end of season medical report, which will rule players out of representing their country in the upcoming Nines World Cup and test matches.

Julian Bousquet (wrist), Matt Whitley (shoulder), Ben Garcia (back), Sam Kasiano (ankle), Mickael Goudemand (finger), Samisoni Langi (leg) and Fouad Yaha (knee) have all either had surgery and/or require periods of rest.

Remi Casty (hand) and Sam Moa (arm) are both still recovering from recent fractures.