Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

It is often said that a coach like Craig Bellamy can turn a player around and Melbourne Storm fans will hope that it is the case, with the club signing Canberra Raiders prop, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.

Lahrs, who was once a mainstay in the Raiders forward pack has recently been hit hard by injuries and as a result, lost his spot in the Raiders side due to the emergence of props Paul Vaughan and Shannon Boyd.

Over a 9-year career, Lahrs has played for the Raiders and the Brisbane Broncos, notching up 119 first-grade games in total, as well as representing both NSW and Australia.

For the Storm, the club are hopeful that despite his recent injuries, Learoyd-Lahrs can make a steady impact for their side next season.

“Tom is an experienced forward whose skill and size will be a valuable asset to our forwards,” said the Storm’s Director of Football, Frank Ponissi.

“While he has been restricted due to injury over the last 12 months, a chat with Craig on what he can bring to Melbourne Storm and after a successful medical screening, we had no hesitation to sign him.”

For Learoyd-Lahrs, he is just pleased to have another NRL opportunity.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity Melbourne Storm have provided in enabling me to hopefully re-establish my NRL career.

“It will be an honour to have the chance to play with such great players as Melbourne possesses, once I spoke to Craig, I knew that working under his guidance was the best opportunity for me to get back to playing regular week to week NRL.”

His current club, the Canberra Raiders, issued a statement surrounding his departure.

Tom Learoyd-Lahrs has confirmed he will depart the Raiders at the end of the 2014 season, to take up a one year contract with the Melbourne Storm.

Learoyd-Lahrs arrived in Canberra at the beginning of the 2006 season and played over 100 matches for the Raiders, representing NSW Country, NSW State of Origin and Australia in his time at the club.

The Raiders would like to take the opportunity to thank Learoyd-Lahrs for his contribution to the Raiders during his time at the club and wish him all the best in the future for him and his family.

By ricky

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