Tyran Wishart is reportedly on the radar of the St George Illawarra Dragons, who are looking to bolster their squad for the 2026 season. The utility player, currently with the Melbourne Storm, has a club option for 2026, but that hasn’t stopped the Dragons from expressing interest in bringing him back to his roots. Wishart, an Illawarra junior and the son of club legend Rod Wishart, moved to Melbourne in a surprise shift that left Dragons fans disappointed. Now, there’s a possibility he could return home as the Dragons seek to strengthen their squad and address key positional challenges.
Despite his gratitude towards the Storm for giving him opportunities throughout the 2024 season, Wishart has made it clear that he envisions himself as a starting player in the NRL. His chances of securing a permanent starting spot at the Storm appear slim, with Ryan Papenhuyzen and Sua Fa’alogo ahead of him at fullback, Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes in the halves, and Harry Grant dominating the hooker role. This leaves Wishart in a difficult position when it comes to breaking into the starting lineup, making him a potential target for other clubs.
Although Wishart’s contract with the Storm doesn’t end until 2025 and the club holds an option for 2026, multiple teams are expected to pursue him the moment he becomes available for negotiations. However, this may not occur for another 12 months. The Storm, who were impressed with Wishart’s contribution to their 2024 grand final campaign, are reportedly keen to extend his contract beyond 2026. Still, the Dragons are believed to be determined to sign him, especially as they prepare for life without their current captain, Ben Hunt.
Hunt has been at the center of a long-running saga regarding his future at the Dragons. The veteran halfback has repeatedly requested a release from the final year of his deal, and the club is now willing to part ways with him. However, finding suitors for Hunt has proven to be challenging. Rival clubs have expressed concerns about his age and declining physical capabilities, leading many to back out of potential deals. The Dragons, therefore, are keen to identify a long-term replacement for Hunt, and Wishart fits the bill.
Wishart could step into the halves as Hunt’s successor, offering the Dragons a fresh option as they rebuild under coach Shane Flanagan. Additionally, with questions still lingering over Tyrell Sloan’s role at fullback, despite his improvements in 2024, the Dragons are looking to make substantial changes in the spine. Their goal for the coming seasons is to return to the finals, having missed out for the past seven years. Bringing in a versatile player like Wishart could be a crucial step in achieving that ambition.