Te Maire Martin is set to join the Warriors after knocking back Melbourne in a move that will expedite the immediate the transfers of Tui Lolohea to Wests Tigers and Mitchell Moses to Parramatta.

The Warriors have been on the lookout for a replacement to Kieran Foran after he announced his move to Canterbury next season and have identified Penrith playmaker Martin as the man to take his place. The Storm were also in the mix for Martin's signature as they attempt to replace Sydney-bound Cooper Cronk, but have been told he is set to head back to his native New Zealand. The Storm have now missed out on Martin, Foran and Anthony Milford as the halves merry-go-round gets into full swing.

Te Maire Martin is seen as a long-term replacement for Kieran Foran at the Warriors. Credit:Matt King

Martin is keen to join the Warriors straight away and the Panthers aren't expected to stand in his way. The move will prompt speculation the Mountain Men will be making a big-money play for Cronk.

Lolohea has been considering offers from Canberra and North Queensland but believes the best career path for him lies at Wests Tigers. He has asked for a release from the Warriors, which is likely to be forthcoming when the Martin deal is officially signed off. Lolohea's move to the Tigers will be for the remainder of this year, plus two additional seasons. He will immediately slot in alongside Luke Brooks in the halves, freeing up Moses go straight across to the Eels. Lolohia will then be in prime position to take over at fullback when James Tedesco shifts to the Roosters in 2018.

The shift seemingly has benefits for all parties. Lolohea will get a regular starting spot in his preferred position after languishing with the Warriors' feeder club, Auckland Vulcans; Martin will get the chance to establish himself as first-grader as Foran's long-term replacement; the Tigers will fill the last remaining piece in their quest for 'big four' replacements; and Parramatta will get the half they have been pining for to play alongside Corey Norman.

The Tigers are also poised to add Dragons prop Russell Packer to their roster for next season, ensuring the rebuild under new coach Ivan Cleary has been a swift one. The Tigers have also signed Bulldog Josh Reynolds and Warrior Ben Matulino as the player market, despite the uncertainty over the salary cap figure for next year, shifts into overdrive.

While Melbourne are yet to find a suitable replacement for Cronk, they are expected to bolster their forwards stocks. Canterbury, seeking to offload players to accommodate the arrival of Foran and Aaron Woods, are likely to release Sam Kasiano to the ladder leaders next year.