AN EMOTIONAL Nick Meaney has thanked Melbourne for giving him back his passion for the sport as his departure to Perth Bears draws closer.
With the Storm to miss the finals, the goal-kicking centre has just two games to go – both away – in his five-year stint with the Storm.
Reflecting on the 2021 season at Canterbury where he only won three games under coach Trent Barrett, Meaney told ABC: “When I was at the Bulldogs, the team and the club were going through a bit of a rough patch there and you kind of lose your love for the game, going in each Monday after a disappointing loss.
“You’ve kind of lost the fire there.
“But coming to this club, I’ve learned just so much. Obviously I’ve had a bit of success in the five years, reaching those grand finals, and I’ll remember that forever.
“I’m very grateful for where I am and looking forward to the future.”
The Storm face Brisbane in a replay of the 2025 decider to open the penultimate round of the regular season – with neither side a hope of progressing.
“You look at our team and compared to the grand final team we had last year, there’s not many of us left so maybe that comes into a little bit as well but the effort’s there and we fought hard,” Meaney said, in reference to last week’s 22-14 loss to Penrith.
“It’s definitely a bit weird, we’re obviously going to go on holidays a bit earlier but I’ve got a little bit to plan. I’ve got a baby on the way and I’m obviously moving to the other side of the country so it’s going to be a busy off-season.”
Meaney signed a three year deal with Perth in January.
“Having time to reflect on my journey here at the Storm, it comes around quick,” he said.
“You sign with a new club and you think you’ve got a bit of time here to enjoy it….
“I’m definitely emotional but I’m definitely proud of everything I’ve done here, and with the family, at the Storm.
“It’s given me everything.”
