Star NRL duo defect in major blow for Melbourne

By Melissa Woods

Melbourne Storm have suffered a huge recruitment blow with key players Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart both departing at the end of the 2026 NRL season.

While the 2025 grand finalists haven’t confirmed the destination for the pair, they are expected to join the Perth Bears.

Meaney admitted in the off-season he was in talks with Perth coach Mal Meninga with the new club joining the competition in 2027.

The 28-year-old has been a starting centre for the Storm while Wishart has played a valuable utility role off the bench, covering multiple positions across the park.

The pair both made their Melbourne debut in round one of 2022 and have become fan favourites, playing in the Storm’s past two grand-final losses.

Storm boss Justin Rodski said the club was disappointed to lose the popular duo but respected their decision.

“Both Nick and Tyran have been fantastic contributors to our club over the past four seasons,” Rodski said in a statement.

“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 and Wishart said they were both looking forward to finishing the year strongly in Melbourne.

“Coming to this club was the easiest decision I’ve ever made, but deciding to leave has been the hardest,” said Meaney, who is also the club’s goal-kicker.

“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.”

Wishart, 26, thanked the Storm for giving him a start in first grade.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Storm for many things, but especially for giving me the opportunity to play first-grade footy,” he said.

“The club welcomed me in almost five years ago and I’ve learned so much in that time.

“I’m fully committed and focused for a big 2026, and can’t wait for the season ahead.”