Nick Meaney’s Storm future settled

Jasper Bruce |

Melbourne have extended versatile Nick Meaney’s contract until the end of 2026.

Meaney has taken his game to new heights since arriving at the Storm from Canterbury in 2022.

He appears to have made the right centre spot his own this campaign as the third-placed Storm have posted a 3-1 record across the opening five weeks.

Meaney was largely used as cover across his first two seasons with the Storm, notably filling in for injury-plagued fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for the majority of last season and part of 2022.

Meaney’s goal-kicking has made him a valuable asset for Craig Bellamy’s side.

He kicked the second-most goals of any NRL player last season, behind only Brisbane’s Adam Reynolds, and has been striking the ball at 87 per cent accuracy to start the new campaign.

Meaney’s contract expired at the end of the year, allowing him to negotiate with rivals, but staying put appeared an easy decision for the 26-year-old.

“I’ve made a home here with my family and I’m really happy to have my future sorted until the end of the 2026 season,” he said.

Meaney joins players including first-choice wingers Xavier Coates and Will Warbrick in being contracted with Melbourne for the next two seasons.

His new deal leaves fellow centre Reimis Smith as the highest-profile Storm player without a contract past this year.

The Storm are in need of depth in the outside backs, with fringe first-graders Marion Seve, Kane Bradley, Young Tonumaipea, Grant Anderson and Dean Ieremia all off-contract.

Provided he stays fit, Meaney will reach 100 games for the Storm by the end of his new deal, having passed 50 in the win over the Warriors last month.

AAP