Melbourne Storm has further strengthened its forward pack with the signing of powerful Canterbury forward Dale Finucane to a three-year deal.

Finucane, 23, is a 188cm, 104kg lock / back-rower, who played 27 games for the Bulldogs last year, including his side’s grand final loss to South Sydney.

It was Finucane’s second Grand Final appearance since his debut in mid-2012. He has played 66 NRL games for the Bulldogs – missing only one game since his first-grade debut.

A former Junior Kangaroos star, Finucane, originally from Bega in NSW, will add more punch to a Storm pack boasting New Zealand internationals Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said: “After losing Bryan Norrie to retirement, we’ve been on the look-out for a player that can make an immediate impact in the middle.

“Dale is an ideal replacement and the type of player we like at Storm. We actually spoke to him a few years ago about a potential move so I’m glad he’s finally made the decision to join us.”

Finucane said: “It was a difficult decision to leave the Bulldogs. They’ve been a tremendous Club but I’m delighted I can continue my career with Melbourne Storm.

“It’s a new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to learning more from Craig and meeting my new teammates in the New Year.”

Finucane will join his new Storm teammates for pre-season training after the Christmas holiday period.

Storm players will break for Christmas on December 22 and return to training on January 5.