Nick Meaney’s move to the Perth Bears has been all but confirmed with the Storm announcing he will depart the club at the end of 2026.
But he’s not the only one on the way out, with the club announcing Tyran Wishart will also quit at season’s end. He is also expected to head west.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said the club was disappointed with the news, but respected the pair’s decisions.
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“Both Nick and Tyran have been fantastic contributors to our club over the past four seasons,” he said.
The Storm has confirmed Nick Meaney is one of two stars on his way out of the club. Getty
“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.
“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.”
Meaney’s signature will give the club depth at fullback and centre, while Wishart is a gun utility back who is suited to the No.14 role.
The pair joined Craig Bellamy’s squad in 2021, and made their debuts in the opening round of 2022.
Meaney played 94 games for the Storm, scored 38 tries and kicked at 76 per cent in his four-year tenure.
Wishart scored 21 tries in 82 games, and was a handy goalkicking option when required, kicking 17 from 22 attempts.
Meaney said he remained “100 per cent committed to helping the Storm achieve our ultimate goal in 2026”.
“Coming to this club was the easiest decision I’ve ever made, but deciding to leave has been the hardest,” he said.
“My wife and I are forever grateful for everything this club has given us. We’ve met some of our closest friends and have raised our two boys here, who absolutely love everyone at the club.
“It is a true honour to wear the purple jersey, and it’s going to be incredibly tough to leave.”
Wishart echoed the sentiment, and thanked the club for providing him his first grade debut.
“The quality of people within the club made it incredibly hard to make this decision and I know I’ll always look back on my time in Melbourne fondly,” he said.
The Storm start their campaign at home against the Eels on Thursday, March 5.