The Perth Bears are set to make a play for another Super League star as the club made their biggest statement yet confirming the deals of Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart. The Bears’ 2027 roster is starting to take shape with the side confirming on Saturday, Meaney and Wishart will join the club on long-term deals.

The duo marked the club’s ninth and tenth signing in their 30-man roster. Although another Super League forward could be on his way to Perth for their inaugural season after his club gave him permission to leave.

Leeds Rhinos confirmed James McDonnell will leave the club at the end of next season in a blow to coach Brad Arthur. “Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that forward James McDonnell will leave AMT Headingley at the end of the 2026 Betfred Super League season,” the club said in a statement. “The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and will pursue an option to play in the NRL from next season.”

McDonnell’s former teammate, Harry Newman, has already signed with the Bears and the duo are now expected to link up in Perth for the 2027 season. The Leeds second-rower has scored 23 tries across his 110 games in the Super League.

He was also a member of the England squad that went down 3-0 to Australia in the recent Ashes series. McDonnell would be a solid signing with the 25-year-old a potential partner for Liam Henry on the edges. While McDonnell hasn’t been confirmed just yet, Melbourne Storm duo Meaney and Wishart are now certain signings with Perth’s roster starting to take shape.

Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart sign for Perth

Melbourne Storm fans were left stunned last week when Meaney and Wishart both confirmed they would be leaving the club in 2027. The pair have featured prominently for the Storm over the last couple of seasons, including Melbourne’s back-to-back grand final appearances.

Coach Craig Bellamy is a big fan of Meaney with the star one of the side’s most consistent outside backs. Meaney played plenty of fullback in 2025 when Ryan Papenhuyzen was absent. Meaney has already admitted he will remain in the centres for the 2026 season, despite Papenhuyzen’s exit. Although Meaney’s three-year deal with the Bears could see him in the No.1 jersey and also take the goal-kicking duties in Perth.

Wishart has signed on a five-year deal and is now expected to take the No.9 role in Perth. Wishart has become one of the NRL’s best utilities at the Storm, but his starting opportunities have been limited in Melbourne after being stuck behind rep stars Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant.

“I’m really excited about the challenge of being a part of a new team and creating a legacy for the Perth Bears, as well as representing the past players and fans of the Bears and Reds franchises,” Wishart said in a club statement.

“I see this is an opportunity to continue to evolve my game and be a part of something special for the NRL and sport in our country. There is already so much buzz about the Perth Bears and I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it.”