Melbourne Storm have added muscle to their forward pack for the 2009 NRL season, signing former New Zealand international Wairangi Koopu.

He has a one-year deal with the Storm after a 164-game stint with the New Zealand Warriors.

Koopu, 28, who made his first-grade debut against Melbourne in 1999, played three Tests for the Kiwis in 2004-05.

Storm assistant coach Michael Maguire said Koopu looked sharp at training on Monday.

"I think he still has plenty to offer at this level .... he's had a lot of first-grade experience which will significantly help out the young squad we've got for next season," Maguire said.

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