Melbourne Storm increased depth signing halves Ben Roberts and Joel Romelo Storm sign former Eel Ben Roberts. Pic Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited MELBOURNE Storm has shored up its depth in the halves with two signings to complete its 2014 playing roster. Storm has added some experience with former Eel Ben Roberts and former Penrith and Canterbury player Joel Romelo both accepting one-year deals. Both are utilities that can play a number of positions, including in the halves. "It gives us depth and it also gives us experience," Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said. We're really excited with our youngsters coming through and there's no doubt they can handle NRL. But it is a long season, so to be able to have some players that have been in the NRL for a number of years is certainly going to help the younger players and us in general. Melbourne Storm army camp (ltor) Ryan Hinchcliffe and Joel Romelo. Pic Colleen Petch. Roberts - who has played 130 first grade matches - came onto Storm's radar late last year after he impressed with Parramatta when moved to the centres. While Romelo has trained with Storm during the entire pre-season and won his contract after impressing coach Craig Bellamy. While his preferred position is hooker, Romelo has been training in the halves during the pre-season. He looks set to fight it out with young gun Ben Hampton and Cody Walker for the vacant No.6 jersey. Both players will play in Storm's first trial match against Canberra at AAMI Park on February 8.