While Melbourne captain Cameron Smith is still to declare his NRL playing future Will Chambers has confirmed he will leave the Storm and return to rugby union.
The veteran centre, who joined the Storm initially back in 2007, has signed to play in Japan.
Chambers, 31, was made a life member of the NRL club at their end of season presentation night on Tuesday night.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Chambers was long regarded as the best centre in the NRL.
“He’s been one hell of a player for our club,” Bellamy said, with the pair embracing in the stage.
“His contribution as a player has been wonderful and that’s what we will always remember.
“I’m so glad that I’m still here to announce his life membership.”
An emotional Chambers, who has played 218 games with the Storm, said he’d miss pulling on the purple jersey.
“You’ve made me a better footballer and a better person,” he said.
“To Craig, I came down here as a 28-year-old with more than a few rough edges and leave as a 31-year-old father-of-two.
“You’ve been a footy coach, a mate and more importantly you’ve been like a dad.
“I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to come back to this club.”
Born in the Northern Territory before going to school in Brisbane, Chambers spent four seasons with the Storm before leaving in 2010 for two years in rugby union with Queensland and in Ireland.
A veteran of 14 Origins for Queensland he also played seven Tests for Australia.
Smith has been considering his future although the Storm are confident he will see out the final year of his contract.