Melbourne have signed former Parramatta five-eighth Ben Roberts and Canterbury utility Joel Romelo to their playing roster for the 2014 NRL season.

Roberts, who joined the Eels from the Bulldogs in 2012 was part of the side that claimed two wooden spoons in successive seasons and had been linked with a move to play rugby in Japan.

However, a strong showing in the Rugby League World Cup with Samoa, has earned him another shot in the NRL with Craig Bellamy’s side.

Romelo was not re-signed by Canterbury when his deal expired at the end of 2013 and had signed for Melbourne’s Queensland Cup feeder club Brisbane Easts.

However, he impressed Bellamy in a spell training with the Storm recently and has agreed a deal that will see him offer cover in the halves and hooking positions.

The 24-year-old made his first grade debut in 2009 with Penrith, before moving to the Bulldogs where he played 26 games between 2010 and 2013.

The Storm’s football director, Frank Ponissi, said the club was excited to add both players to its 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. ”

Elsewhere, Canterbury have announced experienced prop Frank Pritchard will be joining Michael Ennis as a co-captain next season.