The Warriors have raided the Melbourne Storm for the second time this season, with veteran backrower Todd Lowrie joining Dane Nielsen next season.

Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell yesterday confirmed that Lowrie, who made his 158th first-grade appearance against the Titans on Friday, will join the club on a two-year deal, running through to the end of the 2014 season.

The backrower has been a consistent performer for the Storm in 2012, holding the starting lock's position through the majority of the year. His signing comes three months after centre Nielsen, a Queensland State of Origin representative, decided to leave Melbourne for Auckland on a three-year contract.

“Coming to Melbourne was great for my career but I'm really excited about the move and about having my future sorted out for the next few years,” Lowrie said.

“Now I can get on with focusing on the rest of the season here with the Storm.”

Lowrie, who began his career with the Knights in 2003 and also played for the Eels, said a major attraction for signing with the Warriors was the club's strong youth programme.

“I've always had huge respect for the Warriors as opponents,” the 29-year-old New South Welshman said.

"They've been tough rivals for us at the Storm every time we play them. I've been really impressed with their development programme.

"There are so many good young players coming through the club and, by using my experience, I'm looking forward to the chance of being able to work with them.”

Bell said Lowrie's signing was critical to the balance of the Warriors' 2013 squad, who have two veteran backrowers leaving.

“We're losing huge experience in our back row with Micheal Luck retiring, as well as Lewis Brown leaving ,” he said.

“Todd will be invaluable for us and he'll be tremendous help for the younger players coming through.

"He builds our depth in the back row and also makes sure there's real competition for places.”

- © Fairfax NZ News