Mead shows interest in coaching Orchids

Following the departure of the Santos PNG Orchids’ coach, Tahnee Norris, the former Papua New Guinea Kumuls’ great, David Mead, immediately put his hand up to fill the vacant coaching role. 

Norris left the Orchids and PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) on good terms after mentoring PNG’s national women’s team for almost two years. She joined the Orchids last year and parted ways with the club this year. 

Mead has revealed on his Facebook post that he would want to coach the Orchids if given the opportunity, writing: “PNGRFL, you have my number. I put my hand up to coach the Orchids.” 

He hinted that another Kumul great, Justin Olam, is willing to assist, with the duo aiming to turn the Orchids’ diabolical performance around and put the team back on track ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Mead has 171 NRL games under his belt. He played for the Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos, scoring 75 tries since making his debut in 2009, including 58 games for the Catalans Dragons in the English Super League, registering 29 tries. He retired in 2022. 

Having played in the NRL for 14 years, including a stint in the Super League, and represented the PNG Kumuls 15 times, Mead has the credentials, experience, and expertise to help the struggling Orchids and save them from further humiliation.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League announced on Tuesday, 16th December 2025, that Norris was released through mutual agreement, with her contract being terminated effective immediately.   

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Chairman, Sandis Tsaka, expressed gratitude for Norris' contribution and significant impact during her tenure.      

“On behalf of the PNGRFL and the entire rugby league community in PNG, I want to sincerely thank Tahnee for her dedication, experience, and tremendous effort over the past years,” he said.

“Tahnee has played a pivotal role not only in leading the Orchids but also in developing the women’s game across the country. 

“We wish Tahnee every success in her future pursuits, and thank her for leaving a legacy within the PNG rugby league.”

Under Norris’ leadership over the last two years, the Santos PNG Orchids participated in the Pacific Championships, but have performed poorly.  

Regardless, coach Norris was able to develop and create opportunities for young players, with over ten emerging stars making their Test Match debut under her watch. 

“I’m incredibly proud of how far this group has come. Watching our young players step onto the international stage and prove they belong there has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role,” she said.

With the 2026 Rugby League World Cup set to be hosted in Papua New Guinea and Australia from October to November, the PNGRFL announced that they would immediately commence a thorough recruitment process to identify and appoint the next head coach for the Orchids.  

This transition marks a crucial step in the team’s preparations as they look to build on recent achievements and represent PNG with pride on the world stage next year.

Among all the potential and qualified candidates vying for the vacant Santos PNG Orchids’ coaching position, David Mead keeps his fingers crossed and hopes for the best outcome.