Perth have landed another coup by securing experienced utility back Nick Meaney to a long-term deal.
The Storm have been told that Meaney will play out the final year of his contract in Melbourne before linking up with the Bears from next year.
The Bears will now turn their attention to landing Meaney’s Melbourne teammate Tyran Wishart with Perth understood to be favourites to secure Wishart. The Storm are in the midst of their own pursuit as they make a move on ex-Parramatta star Zac Lomax.
While Meaney is done, Perth have made a rich pitch for Wishart and will likely offer him the starting dummy half spot to entice him to the club.
Melbourne are keen to retain Wishart but will struggle given they have their key positions in Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes all locked in. Munster is off-contract at the end of next year.
While Wishart is considering his future, Meaney is said to have decided on where he will play beyond 2026.
Meaney, 28, will likely line-up at fullback for Perth in their first game but his utility value means he could slot in anywhere in the backline. He is also a handy goal-kicker and could easily be their first choice kicker. Meaney is the second player with more than 100 top grade games to sign after Josh Curran agreed to a three year deal to join the Bears from Canterbury.
The 28-year-old Meaney has played 159 top grade games since making his debut with Newcastle in 2018.
The backline for Perth is now starting to take shape. With Meaney at fullback they will have English international Harry Newman at centre while Parramatta’s Sean Russell can play centre or wing.
Meaney is Perth’s ninth signing as they continue to build their inaugural squad.