Melbourne Storm back Nick Meaney has admitted he is open to offers from the Perth Bears as the versatile star tosses up his options for 2027 in the latest blow for the NRL club. Meaney has been a crucial part of the Storm’s puzzle in recent years having played both centre and fullback under coach Craig Bellamy.
Meaney admitted he isn’t interested in playing in the No.1. jersey, now Ryan Papenhuyzen has departed the club, having left that role to talented youngster Sua Fa’alago. However, the 28-year-old did open up about his next contract.
Melbourne Storm star Nick Meaney has admitted he has chatted with the Perth Bears as he weighs-up his next deal. (Getty Images)
Meaney is entering the final year of his Melbourne Storm deal. The centre is free to negotiate with rival clubs and admitted during a pre-season session he has already held talks with the Perth Bears.
The new club will join the NRL in 2027 and recently announced their first two big signings, which included Penrith forward Liam Henry. And it has been confirmed Meaney is on their radar with the 28-year-old able to cover the centre and fullback role.
Although Meaney admitted he will put his family first when it comes to the decision. “We’ve chatted with them (Perth) and obviously had a lot of conversations with Melbourne,” Meaney said on Friday.
“I’m still going through the process at the moment and what’s best for my future and my family as well, because I’ve got to take care of two young kids and put them on the right path. Hopefully in the near future we’ll have something set in stone, whether that’s here or there or somewhere else as well, I’m not sure yet.
“I’m always open to anything, but I’ve loved my time here at Storm. It’s been great and I’m looking forward to next year.” The Storm will most likely look to throw an improved deal at Meaney to keep the star in Melbourne considering the surprise exits that have gone on at the club since losing the NRL grand final.
Nick Meaney (pictured right) is weighing-up his options heading into the 2026 NRL season.
Craig Bellamy dealing with instability at the Storm
Unfortunately, coach Bellamy has watched his team unravel since the loss to the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL grand final. Grant Anderson joined the Broncos, while talented playmaker Jonah Pezet joined the Eels on a one-year deal.
Forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona exited the club, while fan favourite Papenhuyzen left his contract with doubt remaining to whether he will play again. While second-rower Eli Katoa won’t play next year due because of the horrific head knocks he suffered while playing for Tonga.
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The Storm have often been a pillar of stability under Bellamy, but the coach will be looking at some fresh faces in 2026. The Storm have signed Trent Toelau from the Penrith Panthers as depth in the halves following the Pezet, while adding Jack Hetherington and Manaia Waitere to the squad in 2026.
Sua Fa’alago set to shine for Storm in 2026
Meaney also backed Fa’alago to shine in 2026 with suggestions the talented back has bulked up in the off-season. “We’ve got Sua there and he’s a very handy football player,” Meaney added.
“I think it’s good that he’ll get first crack at fullback, hopefully, and I can keep doing my stuff at centre. Sua’s had a bit of a rollercoaster career himself already but I think he’s a very talented player.
“He can learn a lot more about the game and obviously it’s up to us players around him and staff as well to help him get to that next level and be a … top-tier fullback.” But one of the biggest priorities for the Storm will be locking down Meaney with a number of NRL clubs surely interested in a deal with the 28-year-old.
Craig Bellamy (pictured) is dealing with a number of big name departures heading into the 2026 season.