HE is the Papua New Guinea international who just 11 days ago expressed his desire to play State of Origin for Queensland.

Today, David Mead is officially eligible for New South Wales after the Titans flyer rushed through paperwork clearing him to represent NSW Country this Sunday in Dubbo.

Just 48 hours ago, Mead wasn’t even on the Blues’ radar, with Country Rugby League officials unaware the Titans fullback played junior football in the far north-coast NSW town of Lismore.

But after being informed of Mead’s eligibility status by The Courier-Mail, the CRL scrambled to rubberstamp his availability when Country Origin fullback Josh Dugan succumbed to an ankle injury.

media_camera David Mead scores for PNG in the 2008 RLWC.

Mead represented the Kumuls at the recent World Cup and first signalled his desire to play for Queensland in 2011 after receiving advice from former Queensland and PNG representative Adrian Lam.

But now he finds himself playing for a NSW Origin jumper at Apex Oval.

Mead said the only reason he wanted to play for Queensland was because he grew up around Maroons supporters.

“Growing up in PNG a lot of my family are Queensland fans and that’s the how we went,” said Mead, who moved to Lismore when he was 12.

“My eligibility says I’m NSW and I’m just keen to get down there and concentrate on this game. That’s all settled now.

“I ticked all the boxes for NSW and that’s where it stands. It’s all pretty clear now.

“I’m definitely stoked to be able to put on a rep jersey. It’s a dream come true.”

media_camera David Mead training with PNG.

The NRL cleared up the confusion surrounding Mead’s eligibility around 12pm on Tuesday, signing off on documentation allowing him to press his claims for a sky-blue jumper.

It’s understood Mead is privately worried about the backlash he will receive over his decision.

CRL chief executive Terry Quinn defended Mead’s selection, saying the code’s representative eligibility rules, revamped in late 2012, clearly qualify him for the Blues.

“Under the rules, three out of five ticks qualifies you for a state and David had four for NSW so there’s no question he’s a Blue,” Quinn said.

“We’ve done the relevant checks and he’s eligible for Country Origin, Dave has declared he wants to play for NSW.

“The NRL rushed through the paperwork (on Tuesday) and Dave was immediately on a plane.

“It’s a funny situation, I’m not totally up with it, but David decided he wants to play for Australia and NSW and we’ve received approval from the NRL authorities.

“With Dugan and Jarryd Hayne injured, there could be a NSW spot there for Mead ... we are running out of troops.”

media_camera David Mead scores for PNG at the RLWC in 2008.

As recently as last Saturday week, Mead told The Courier-Mail he was unsure of his eligibility, but was leaning towards the Maroons.

“I’m not sure what the rules say so we’ll see how we go,” Mead said.

“I think I’m eligible for NSW but growing up I always went for Queensland when I lived in Papua New Guinea, so I would like to choose Queensland.

“They (Queensland) think I’m from PNG because I’ve played for them but my manager will look into it because I haven’t been put into either system for Origin.”

NRL game-development chief Andrew Hill said players from all second-tier nations, such as PNG, had their eligibility status voided after each World Cup — clearing Mead for Origin selection.

“Immediately after the World Cup, the slate is wiped clean and everyone has a choice again. By picking Country Origin, David is now in the NSW and Australian system,” Hill said.

“There is no cloak-and-dagger stuff, I’ve done the appropriate checks.

“On his eligibility form, his country of election is Australia and based on the eligibility question, he undoubtedly qualifies for NSW.”

Originally published as Country boy Mead a Kumul chameleon