Melbourne Storm has completed its playing roster for 2014 with the signing of Joel Romelo and Ben Roberts.
Romelo, 24, made his first grade debut in 2009 with Penrith, before moving to the Bulldogs where he played 26 games between 2010 and 2013.
Having originally signed with Storm’s feeder team Brisbane Easts, Romelo has been training with Storm during pre-season under the relationship between the two clubs.
He impressed Craig Bellamy enough to be rewarded with a position on Storm’s full time roster as a utility, able to provide coverage at both hooker and in the halves.
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Roberts, 28, represented Samoa in last year’s World Cup and has also previously played for New Zealand. The veteran of 130 first grade games has played with the Bulldogs and the Eels and will have the versatility to play at five-eighth and in the centres.
Melbourne Storm Football Director, Frank Ponissi, said the club was excited to add both players to its 2014 roster.
“We are very pleased to have Joel and Ben join the club, we are really excited with the young players we have coming through our NRL squad, however we believe we needed to add some more experience and depth in our key positions,” Ponissi said.
“Both of these players will complement our existing exciting young talent and both have the versatility to play in a number of positions.“
Both players will play in Storm’s first trial match of the pre-season on Saturday 8 February, which will follow the club’s traditional Family Day event. Storm’s Auckland Nines squad will be announced after this game.
Members and fans will be invited to Family Day from 1.30pm at Gosch’s Paddock to see the players introduced on stage, get autographs and enjoy a host of family activities, before the trial match against the Raiders kicks-off at 5.30pm.
