The Gold Coast Titans sit atop the NRL ladder after just their second-ever win in Melbourne and coach John Cartwright believes David Mead is a big reason for it.
The 25-year-old fullback outshone his more decorated counterpart Billy Slater in a heroic performance in front the 11,930 predominantly purple crowd.
By the end of the 80 minutes Mead had tallied 144 metres, a try and the adulation of his coach. The performance came despite a heavy fall early in the game, in the wake of a spectacular bomb reception.
"I think the play of the day was when he got back in the in-goal in the second half. He dived straight into the opponents' knees, got back up to play the ball quickly and got great field position off the back of his play. That just typified how he played all day."
"Our boys are still learning these type of games, we need to learn how to stay in the grind and I thought we did that today," co-captain Nate Myles said.
"Penalty or not at the end there, I thought we were in the right field position to get that so credit to our boys."
The Titans were the better team throughout much of the contest however continual errors (11 in total) kept the Storm within touching distance.
The visitors completed just 25 of 41 sets for the match and committed two forward passes just metres from the try-line in the second half.
Gold Coast get the chance to record four-straight wins for the first time since August 2010 when they take on the Broncos on Friday night.
The 25-year-old fullback outshone his more decorated counterpart Billy Slater in a heroic performance in front the 11,930 predominantly purple crowd.
By the end of the 80 minutes Mead had tallied 144 metres, a try and the adulation of his coach. The performance came despite a heavy fall early in the game, in the wake of a spectacular bomb reception.
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"I think the play of the day was when he got back in the in-goal in the second half. He dived straight into the opponents' knees, got back up to play the ball quickly and got great field position off the back of his play. That just typified how he played all day."
Despite the accolades, Mead is determined stay grounded.
“It’s a boost for the confidence but I don’t want to get too caught up in the raps I’m getting from the coaching staff,” he said.
“I’ve got to look to improve, I just need to do all the little things right.
“The one-percenters are what make Billy Slater and Brett Stewart more outstanding than everyone else and what sets them apart from all the other player.”
With those two as role models, Titans fans will be hoping their young star can emulate the pair as they look to build on the strong 4-1 start to the season.
It is a foundation that holds the Gold Coast in terrific stead to see finals action for the first time since 2010.
Despite the increasing expectation, their exciting No.1 isn't looking too far ahead.
“We want to play semi-final football but as the old saying goes we’ve got to look week to week and keep improving everyday,” said Mead. “If we get the process right the results will come.”
Tight finishes are something this Gold Coast side has become accustomed to this season. Including last week’s one-point win over North Queensland, the Titans' four victories have come with a combined winning margin of just 21 points.“We want to play semi-final football but as the old saying goes we’ve got to look week to week and keep improving everyday,” said Mead. “If we get the process right the results will come.”
"Our boys are still learning these type of games, we need to learn how to stay in the grind and I thought we did that today," co-captain Nate Myles said.
"Penalty or not at the end there, I thought we were in the right field position to get that so credit to our boys."
The Titans were the better team throughout much of the contest however continual errors (11 in total) kept the Storm within touching distance.
The visitors completed just 25 of 41 sets for the match and committed two forward passes just metres from the try-line in the second half.
Gold Coast get the chance to record four-straight wins for the first time since August 2010 when they take on the Broncos on Friday night.
