Hull KR are set to sign Melbourne Storm enforcer Clint Newton after he was forced out of the Australian club by a salary-cap squeeze.

Newton, a key member of the Storm's 2007 NRL team, has announced he will join the mass of Australian stars playing in England after agreeing to a two-year deal with the engage Super League club.

The move will complete a rollercoaster six months for the 26-year-old back-rower, who joined the Storm mid-season following a public spat with Newcastle Knights coach Brian Smith.

Newton is disappointed to be leaving the Storm but is excited by his next challenge.

"I've had a great time at the Storm and I'll always be grateful they gave me the chance to continue playing in the NRL when I left Newcastle," Newton said. "I can't speak highly enough of the club and if there's a chance of playing for them again in the future I'd definitely be interested."

Newton has been released after fellow Melbourne back-rower Jeremy Smith rejected a lucrative three-year offer from the St George-Illawarra Dragons to remain with the Storm.

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