Gold Coast winger David Mead and Titans at crossroad over fullback role PETER BADEL NEWS LIMITED JUNE 29, 2014 NSW Origin hopeful David Mead is on a collision course with the Titans after being told he will not unseat William Zillman as their first-choice fullback this year. The Mead saga took a fresh twist last week when his management sought feedback on the utility back’s prospects of clinching the Titans’ No.1 jumper. Meads agent Brendan Bourke said Titans coach John Cartwright shut the door on the Country Origin ace usurping Zillman this year. That stance may be modified next season, but Mead is growing increasingly impatient about becoming the Gold Coast’s first-choice fullback. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart pursued Mead, only for his interest to fizzle when he learned the Titans would not rescind the 25-year-old’s existing deal. Bourke said Mead had not formally requested a release but added “thats going to be a conversation we’ll have down the track’’ if Zillman remains at fullback. Mead is contracted for another two years but Zillman is signed to the Titans until the end of 2017. “I’m sure Dave would have major interest out there, but we haven’t personally sought out any clubs because we simply can’t,’’ Bourke said. “John Cartwright has made his intentions clear. He sees Zillman as the club fullback and he sees Dave as a winger. “He has made it clear that’s the way the set-up will be this year and looking to next year it might change. “I’ve relayed that message to Dave. Unless Zillman gets injured, Dave won’t be playing fullback this year. “Zillman is playing pretty solid football but Dave was outstanding there when he got the chance. A lot of people are scratching their heads wondering why hes not the fullback. “But for the moment, Zillman is the No.1 fullback and Dave has to accept that.’’ Zillman was outstanding at fullback last year but when he briefly succumbed to injury earlier this season, Mead underscored his backfield brilliance. The former PNG international destroyed the Broncos in Round 6, scoring a match-turning 92m try and running for a staggering 243m in a 12-8 victory. Zillman’s best this season is 138m, in the opening round against Cronulla. Mead only signed his upgraded deal last December and the Titans are unlikely to give him permission to negotiate with rival clubs. “Unfortunately, you can’t just up and leave a contract,’’ Bourke said. “He’s a professional footballer so he has to dig in for the Titans. “We’re trying to work with the Titans for Dave to play fullback. He believes that’s his best spot and all we can do is make our intentions clear.’’
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 03:04:16 +0000
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