Just a day after announcing the signing of Canterbury forward Josh Curran on a three-year deal, Perth Bears are set to deliver a double blow to 2024 and 2025 NRL grand finalists Melbourne Storm.
Long rumoured to be on the move west, there are reports that experienced outside back and gun goal kicker Nick Meaney, 28, has agreed to terms on a long-term deal with Mal Meninga’s side from 2027.
Key Storm utility Tyran Wishart, 26, is also close to doing the same according to the Daily Telegraph and the Melbourne Storm has confirmed the duo will depart at the end of the 2026 NRL season.
“Melbourne Storm can confirm today Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart will both finish their time in Melbourne at the conclusion of the 2026 season,” the club said in a statement on Friday morning.
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Storm boss Justin Rodski said both players had been been fantastic contributors to the club over the past four seasons.
“It’s always difficult to lose people of the calibre of Nick and Tyran but we understand their decision given the opportunity in front of each of them,” Rodski said.
“We know both players will be looking to finish their time in purple on the best possible note and will be fully focused on the task at hand between now and the end of 2026.”
While the Bears are yet to make an official announcement on either player, luring both Meaney and Wishart across the Nullarbor for 2027 will represent a major coup for the new club, providing a significant addition of NRL finals experience to a backline that will also include Sean Russell, Toby Sexton and England international Harry Newman.
It is believed Meaney will be given first shot at playing fullback for the Bears, a position he is set to fight with 22-year-old Sua Fa'alogo for at the Storm in 2026 following the off-season departure of Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Other players signed by the Bears so far include Penrith Panthers forward Liam Henry and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, the younger brother of Tino.
Perth will become the NRL’s 18th franchise when it joins the NRL competition for the start of the 2027 season.