KUMULS LEGEND EXPRESS INTEREST TO COACH ORCHIDS FOLLIWING NORRIS’ DEPARTURE
Following the departure of PNG Orchids head coach Tahnee Norris, a PNG Kumuls legend has thrown his hat into the ring to lead the national side into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Former Kumuls powerhouse David Mead has openly expressed his intention to coach the PNG Orchids, hinting at a big-name Kumuls and NRL star he would bring on board as an assistant.
The former Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans player took to his official Facebook page to declare his willingness to coach the PNG women’s rugby league team.
Mead posted: “PNGRFL you have my number. I put my hand up to coach the Orchids. I know some great assistant coaches who are willing to help. One of their initials are J.O.”—initials widely linked to Justine Olam.
The post has since attracted comments, shares, and reactions backing the “king” David Mead for the role.
PNG Rugby Football League earlier announced Norris’ departure by mutual agreement.
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka expressed gratitude for Norris’s significant impact during her tenure, stating: “On behalf of 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. 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 her legacy within PNG Rugby League.”
Outgoing coach Norris also expressed her satisfaction with the PNG side.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far this group has come. Watching our young players step onto the international stage and prove they belong has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role,” Norris said.
With the 2026 Rugby League World Cup set to be hosted in Papua New Guinea and Australia in October and November, PNGRFL will immediately commence a thorough recruitment process to identify and appoint the next head coach for the PNG Orchids. This transition marks an important step in the team’s preparations as they aim to build on recent achievements and represent PNG with pride on the world stage.
