KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Warriors have signed on New Zealand-born centre Ryan Shortland from the 2007 National Rugby League premiers the Melbourne Storm.
Shortland, 21, was born in Masterton but raised in Australia and has signed on for one year with an option for 2009.
Shortland made his first grade debut for the Storm in their second-round match against the Canberra Raiders this year, his only NRL appearance so far. A knee ligament injury playing for Brisbane Norths in the Queensland Cup ended Shortland's year soon after.
"I enjoyed my time with the Storm but I'm now just looking forward to new opportunities with the Warriors," he said.
He has just started off-season training with his new club.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary welcomed Shortland's arrival.
"Ryan's a good quality player who has had his first taste of NRL football.
"We've been keeping an eye on him and he will give us more depth in our squad."
Shortland started his rugby league playing days with the Coogee Wombats, which was also the junior club of 2005-07 Warrior Todd Byrne.
- NZPA
