CONFIRMED: Former Hawthorn rookie Tatupu signs with Melbourne Storm

Recently retired Hawthorn rookie Shem-Kalvin Tatupu has signed a two-year deal with NRL club, Melbourne Storm, with an option for a third.

Tatupu was a category B rookie with Hawthorn for two seasons, before retiring from AFL last week citing a loss of passion for the game as the primary reason for his decision.

"He has grown up with a rugby league background and comes from an outstanding and successful culture at Hawthorn which we know will hold him in good stead at Storm," Storm football director Frank Ponissi said.

"Shem will spend time with our development coaches in learning the Storm system and will play with one of our feeder teams in the near future allowing him the time to make the transition back to NRL and allow him to develop the necessary skills and physical qualities of rugby league.

"We look forward to how Shem progresses and develops at Melbourne Storm."

Tatupu was first spotted by Hawthorn as a 14-year-old while playing rugby in New Zealand.

"I'm very excited to join Melbourne Storm, I'm looking forward to starting training with my teammates and working hard to get an opportunity to play first-grade football one day," Tatupu said.

"I would like to thank Hawthorn Football Club for giving me my first opportunity as a professional athlete and for the time they have put into my development on and off the field."