Dale Finucane is the latest high-profile player to make an off-season switch, with the Canterbury back-rower expected to link with Melbourne as early as this week.
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A desire to play regular first-grade minutes saw Finucane explore his options at season's end with Melbourne beating out Cronulla, Manly and Wests Tigers to secure his signature for at least two years.
Finucane, who was contracted to Canterbury until 2016, has played the bulk of his 66-game NRL career from the interchange bench.
With representative duo Josh Jackson and Tony Williams entrenched on the Bulldogs edge, Finucane had little option but to switch clubs as he looks to push for a representative spot. Frank Pritchard, who missed a large chunk of 2014 through injury, will also command a bigger role next year.
Finucane's departure is expected to free up funds to allow the Bulldogs to table an offer to Sam Kasiano worth in excess of $1.5 million over three years to prevent him being poached by rivals.
The Bulldogs still boast one of the most dominant forward packs in the NRL with Jackson, Williams, Pritchard and Kasiano joined by fellow representatives James Graham, David Klemmer, Greg Eastwood plus experienced Aiden Tolman. The Bulldogs also added journeyman Antonio Kaufusi to their roster.
For the Storm, Finucane's arrival will soften the loss of Ryan Hoffman to the Warriors.
Finucane will battle with Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris for a starting spot in Melbourne.
The likes of Ben Barba, Darius Boyd, Martin Kennedy and Frank-Paul Nuuausala have all made late-year moves.
