The incumbent PNG LNG Kumuls captain will be assisted by James Segeyaro, who captained the Pacific Test in July during Mead's absence.
During their joint training with the PNG Orchids yesterday, Mead expressed his excitement at being back in camp.
The 2017 World Cup skipper was not considered for the Pacific Test selection in July as he was playing in the UK Super League.
“It’s a huge honour to be named captain for your country so I’ll make sure I prepare really well this week and give my best for the team,” he said.
Mead had a game with the Catalans Dragons on Saturday and though he was advised by his UK coach to rest, he instead opted to represent his country.
“For me personally it’s about putting the jersey on and making sure I get out and make the people proud,” he stated.
Meantime, coach Michael Marum said there are currently no injury concerns and the team is looking forward to the game on Saturday.
“There are only three new faces in the site: Edene (Gebbie), Dan Russell and Kyle Laybutt,” stated the coach.
Marum said the good thing is, they’ve built the team up over the past three years hence the players know the game plan and there was no need to teach them anything new.
Gebbie and Russell will wear the national colours for the first time as wingers while Laybutt will also debut in the red, black and gold jersey when he runs off the bench on October 6th at the National Football Stadium.
The team:
1. David MEAD - Captain
2. Edene GEBBIE
3. Justin OLAM
4. Nene MACDONALD
5. Daniel RUSSELL
6. Lachlan LAM
7. Watson BOAS
8. Moses MENINGA
9. James SEGEYARO - Vice Captain
10. Stanton ALBERT
11. Rhyse MARTIN
12. Nixon PUTT
13. Wellington ALBERT
Interchange
14. Tom BUTTERFIELD
15. Enock MAKI
16. Kyle LAYBUTT
17. Willie MINOGA
18. Rhadley BRAWA
Coach: Michael MARUM