Huddersfield Giants 2016 signing Ryan Hinchliffe has been made a Melbourne Storm Life Member.

The vastly-experienced 31-year-old forward was handed the honour in recognition of his outstanding service to the top Australian NRL club.

Since joining Melbourne from Canberra Raiders in 2009, Hinchcliffe has become a crucial member of the Storm’s squad, and was in the club’s leadership group.

It was announced earlier in the season Hinchcliffe would be joining the Giants for the 2016 season, with his final Melbourne game coming in the 32-12 semi-final play-off defeat to newly-crowned Australian NRL champions North Queensland Cowboys 12 days ago.

And the Storm were keen to give the hooker or back-row forward the life membership before he embarked on his new Super League life in England.