Liam Henry is believed to be a very strong chance to become the first big-name signing of the Perth Bears. And Mal Meninga is also reportedly targeting Melbourne Storm centre Nick Meaney to potentially join the Panthers premiership winner.
The 24-year-old Henry has played 50 NRL games for the Panthers, and was part of the team that won the 2024 grand final. He’s only under contract until the end of 2026, and free to negotiate with rivals for 2027.
Nick Meaney (L) and Liam Henry (R) are being strongly linked to the Perth Bears. Image: Getty
The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that Penrith have offered Henry a new deal for 2027, but have been “blown out of the water” by the Bears. The forward would become a starting player at the Bears, but would likely still be on the bench if he remained at Penrith.
The Panthers still have Lindsay Smith and Moses Leota as their starting props, with Luron Patea waiting in the wings. Henry can play back-row as well, but the Panthers have a log-jam with the likes of Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Isaiah Papalii and Luke Garner.
The League Scene podcast is reporting that Henry is all-but “signed, sealed and delivered” with Perth.
Perth Bears eyeing Nick Meaney to play fullback?
Meanwhile, the Bears are also said to be targeting Meaney from the Storm, who is also off contract at the end of 2026. The 28-year-old has played 159 games across stints with the Knights, Bulldogs and Storm, and could be offered the fullback role if he moves to Perth.
Meaney has played the majority of his Storm career at centre, but has filled in admirably at fullback when Ryan Papenhuyzen has been out. But even with Papenhuyzen quitting the NRL to consider his future, the Storm are likely to give Sua Fa’alogo the first crack at replacing him in the No.1 jersey.
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Meaney’s departure would be another blow for the Storm, wth Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jonah Pezet joining Papenhuyzen in leaving this off-season. Back-rower Eli Katoa has also been ruled out for the entire 2026 season.
The Bears have also reportedly offered Jayden Campbell a five-year deal worth a whopping $6 million. But they’ve missed out on some big names like Cameron Munster, who has stated he’ll remain at the Storm until at least the end of his current deal.
Beau Fermor and James Tedesco sign contract extensions
They’ve also missed out on Campbell’s teammate and State of Origin player Beau Fermor. The second-rower inked a contract extension with the Gold Coast Titans on Thursday until the end of 2029.
“This club means a lot to me. They gave me the opportunity to achieve my NRL dream in 2020 and they’ve continued to back me throughout all the ups and downs of my career so far,” Fermor said.
“Most importantly, they’ve been extremely supportive for me and my young family and whilst I’m a Dalby boy at heart, the Gold Coast is my home now. I truly believe in where we’re heading under Josh’s leadership.”
Beau Fermor and James Tedesco have re-signed with the Titans and Roosters respectively. Image: Getty
Fermor was the second State of Origin player to re-sign on Thursday after former NSW captain James Tedesco inked a new one-year deal with the Roosters for 2027. “I’m incredibly proud to represent this club and to continue leading a group of players who mean so much to me,” Tedesco said.
“The Roosters have played a huge role in my career and my life. Working with (Trent Robinson) has pushed me to become a better player and person, and I’m grateful for the belief he’s always shown in me. I know we have a lot more to achieve together, and I’m excited for what’s still to come with this group. I’m committed to doing everything I can to help us get there.”