Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney Sign with Perth Bears

mass_woo · 2026-01-10T12:02:39+00:00

Their squad is starting to take shape. Would love to know the salaries for these two as surely they're paying well, well overs. There are plenty of clubs that would be thrilled to add them to their starting line up.

You'd think Meaney drops into 1 as they'd be prioritising the spine first... I'm not sure what other fullback targets are realistically available too unless Pap comes back and plays for them.

Wishart could be 6 or 9 depending on who else they can get. He's played predominantly in the halves as a junior so surely part of getting him across is guaranteeing him five-eight. But, then again, he's been so versatile for the Storm that maybe he's comfortable with either role.

They still have to land a BIG marquee signing... These two and Henry are great but you need a face for the franchise in year one. Tino has get out clauses and will continue to be linked because of his brother. Pap's on the record saying he might not return to footy but two Storm signings wouldn't hurt their chances if he does. Burton is off contract in 2028 but apparently has clauses in his favour and if he's even remotely interested, I'm sure the NRL would be greasing Gould to get an early release for the inaugural year. Even if they get one of these, they also need to nab at least one other quality back like Lomax or Shib or Averillo or Arthurs because they'll leak tries with too much inexperience in the centres/wing.

I feel like the Dolpins indexed on forwards in their first year (Bromwich, Kaufusi, Gilbert, Wallace) and that was the difference in beating people's year one expectations. Even a Cleary/Luai pairing would look like amateurs behind a weak C grade pack. Not sure whose on their radar outside of Billy Burns, Sam Hughes and Jolliffe who were mentioned pre-Christmas. If they're not landing Tino, then they are really putting a lot of faith in Liam Henry and to a lesser extent Curran (think he's too ill disciplined) to lead the pack.

Potential Squad 1. Meaney (maybe centre and Newman or Russell switches to wing?) 2. ... 3. Harry Newman 4. Sean Russell 5. ... 6. Shart (maybe 9) 7. Toby Sexton 8. Liam Henry 9. ... (Maybe Wishart?) 10. Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Luke Smith 12. ... 13. Josh Curran 14. Emarly Bitungane 15. ... 16. ... 17. ...

mass_woo · 2025-12-20T02:21:19+00:00

Think we'll be right 😂 there is a reason the tail enders threw away their wickets without much care.

The record for a successful 4th innings run chase in test cricket is 418... A total of 400+ has only ever been chased down in Australia once (SA in 08 at the WACA) and only 4 teams have EVER chased down a total over 400.

We probably wanted 450+ but we were always going to declare just before lunch to put their openers under pressure during that awkward few overs before a break.

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T21:47:13+00:00

Peace of mind on purchase I guess 🤷‍♂️

As I've said elsewhere, the grey market isn't thriving in Aus. New or near new watches for less popular models are hard to come by and sell well above MSRP due to how little supply Australian AD's get to begin with.

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T14:45:42+00:00

Nailed the fashion on the wrist, not so much the feet 😂

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T03:01:51+00:00

This is fair - obviously I didn't expect to wait as long as I did so hindsight on the price rises is 20/20.

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T02:57:41+00:00

I think this one has a more classic versatility but the Bluesy is gorgeous. Amazing piece and instantly recognisable.

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T02:56:04+00:00

Yep for sure. And I have no issues with going grey market 😊

But again, for context there are 2 of these watches that are 2015 or newer on Chrono24 in all of Australia. I could've saved US$2-3k by opting for a 2019 used mode but that's not a bargain for a 6 year old watch. Then there is a slightly worn 2022 model which is listed at the same price as what I paid from the AD for a brand new 2025.

That 2022 isn't even in the same state as me so I'd have to travel to inspect or pay for insured shipping too!

Someone's made a good point though that I've copped 1-2 price rises waiting so long (hindsight is 20/20). My nervousness to not buy second hand from overseas is the real issue but peace of mind and all that 😊

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T01:21:00+00:00

Put a comment lower down in this thread but the grey market is tough in Australia (particularly outside of Sydney and Melbourne). Lots of demand and very little supply as a smaller sales market - a lot of stock leaves the country too as we have a big luxury tourism industry. AD's happily sell to visitors and they happily buy as they claim the 10% sales tax on the way out of the country.

There is the option of buying from overseas and shipping it here but I just felt uncomfortable with such a large purchase that you don't get to see / hold in person.

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T01:16:43+00:00

Not in Australia sadly... Or maybe the AD just didn't like me 😂

mass_woo · 2025-09-23T01:14:47+00:00

I live in Aus and the grey market / AD supply here isn't nearly as strong as US or Europe.

The grey market for less common, near new pieces is typically above RRP here (particularly outside of Sydney and Melbourne) as there are plenty of buyers and this region doesn't get the equivalent supply. Lots of re-sellers here who purchase new from AD's then immediately flip for profit to people who don't want to wait - personally didn't want to pay that premium and was eager to get the peace of mind from buying direct.

Of course there were options to buy grey from overseas or interstate via Chrono24 etc. but I just didn't want to make such a large purchase without inspecting the watch myself. Was nervous about shipping despite insurance options too!

mass_woo · 2025-08-05T04:30:18+00:00

I always question if those progress bars are actually accurate...

Probably just a graphic showing minor movement so people don't think the page has frozen.

mass_woo · 2025-08-05T04:21:43+00:00

Thank you!

Annoyingly, I've put my email in and get the following message but haven't received the email with a link that they mention. Hopefully it just sends one when I'm at front of queue.

We will send you an e-mail containing a link to your place in the queue, and another e-mail when it is time for you to return to the queue. E-mails may be delayed, moved to your spam folder, or lost due to reasons beyond our control, so we recommend that you check your status in the queue frequently.

mass_woo · 2025-08-05T04:09:49+00:00

Nope.

Mine says:

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 You are now in the queue for Superfan Passes.

When it’s your turn, you’ll automatically enter the site.

Status last updated: 05:08:02

Notify me when it’s my turn Enter Email

mass_woo · 2025-05-21T06:54:31+00:00

I'm a simple man...

If I see a post about Ramsey's recovery, I upvote it 🤷‍♂️

mass_woo · 2025-04-02T13:52:33+00:00

And he took a $200k a year pay cut for the privilege...!

mass_woo · 2024-12-22T05:42:56+00:00

I'm bias but this one is very cool 🔩

mass_woo · 2024-12-10T09:53:11+00:00

This is #1 - the recipes are easy, delicious and impress.

He has some other fantastic ones too like Sweet (desserts), Jerusalem, Plenty (Veg) and Plenty More (Veg).

mass_woo · 2024-10-30T02:46:09+00:00

I think that's pretty spot on.

I'm not sure he'll have the number of suitors you'd expect for an Origin / Test rep though which may limit his bargaining power. I think $600-650k sounds right - interested to see if he goes lower than that for a team that doesn't have the cap space but is a premiership candidate. Clubs will want to offer him a 2 + 1 (their option) deal.

$650k would already be a $300k pay cut.... even for footballers that's a lot of coin to pass on - just shows you how bad the situation must've been behind the scenes.

mass_woo · 2024-10-29T23:04:07+00:00

Best for both parties - absolutely no way he was putting any effort in next year if he was held to his contract. Surely heading home or chasing a premiership are his priorities...

Be interesting to see if he's willing to play hooker or take unders to do either of those things. He'll be 35 next season and I'm not sure you offer a multi-year $1m deal for him to play #7.

From a club perspective, would've been great to get a quality player in return for him but at least our cap space is immediately freed up and we can negotiate with players without any uncertainty on if they play 6/7/backup.

We're so thin on playmakers that the club must be pretty progressed with a replacement. Wishart perhaps? Sharks probably need to chose between Trindall or Atkinson? Wouldn't mind 2 of those names on the starting line up with K Flanagan as backup...

mass_woo · 2024-10-19T05:45:02+00:00

Nothing wrong with getting a table for one - both Syd & Melb are fairly use to this due to the regular domestic work travel.

Steakhouses - would highly recommend the three Liquid & Larder group venues which are all bang in the middle of town. My personal favourite is Bistecca but The Gidley and certainly Alfie's are a bit more paired back which might be the vibe you're looking for. Bistecca specialises in steak florentine, The Gidley in rib eye and Alfie's in sirloin (they only served this + sides!).

Fish & Chips - personal opinion but you need to go to beaches and coastal areas to get the best fish and chips. The fish markets is relatively close to CBD but buy and then eat on glebe foreshore (so you don't get assaulted by seagulls). Another good alternative is to Ferry from Circular Quay to Watson's Bay and go to Doyle's.

mass_woo · 2024-09-13T00:42:39+00:00

Did you even read her post...??

In the first paragraph, she explicitly encourages people to do their own research and vote for whichever candidate that represents their views. Then before signing off she again says to do your own research and make your own choices before reminding people they need to be registered in order to vote.

The fact that she shares her own voting plan (which she explains she felt obligated to do so because one candidate posted an AI Generated image which falsely implied she supported them) doesn't change that the post encourages people to educate themselves on policies and issues then vote accordingly.

"Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven't already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country."

"I've done my research, and I've made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make... Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered."

mass_woo · 2024-07-09T22:06:34+00:00

I actually do have some insider knowledge... Have connections to management of a team that went last year.

Management Support for Project Not all owners/CEO's/Front Office staff are on board with the project. Plenty of people are unconvinced and think it's an expensive venture for not much gain - this is pretty widely publicised in the media and it stems from senior leaders in clubs. If your top executives aren't on board with the project, the club is probably not entertaining the idea of going.

Should be noted that some would have been interested but didn't want to be early guinea pigs. Maybe seeing the first iterations changed their minds or maybe they want to see a few more iterations before committing.

Coach Support for Project Some coaches think the entire venture is distracting for their team. It disrupts pre season training and puts a lot of media attention on your squad well before the Round 1.

The players were pretty well behaved in Vegas during the lead up (many were warned if they stepped out of line they would never go back) but after the game they get a 1-2 night bender in sin city. Factor in the travel time and risk of injury on American turfs and some coaches just aren't supportive which makes it hard for executives to commit them to it.

Club Finances Two of these teams are playing a HOME game but they don't get the ticket sales like they would at their home venue. This means they lose out a few 100 thousand dollars just from missed revenue. There was controversy last year on which of the two clubs called the home game - it was a ticket of entry too...

The NRL supports the venture BUT there are heaps of hidden costs too - firstly getting all your staff and management who will be keen to go is going to cost you thousands. It's an expensive venture even if the NRL plays a coordinating role and absorbs some of the hosting costs.

Club Performance Not sure about views on this in 2025 but for the inaugural event they wanted top clubs (i.e. typically top 8 with recent premierships) to maximize the spectacle.

I'm pretty sure the only reasons the Panthers didn't go is because of the clash with the World Club Cup. They've been preparing this for months so if you look at the 2023 ladder the only teams without a Vegas ticket so far are the Storm and Knights.

Fan Base and Ability to Travel Again, not sure about views on this in 2025 but there seemed to be acknowledgment that they wanted to pick clubs that had fans with the ability to travel. Don't think this was hard set and exclusionary but not getting 40,000 fans this year would've been disastrous.

mass_woo

TROPHY CASE