Sam Kasiano has left the Storm and will sign with Super League side Catalans Dragons on a three-year deal, which will see Melbourne return back under the salary cap in time for round one.
If the Storm entered their season opener against Brisbane next week over the cap, skipper Cameron Smith would have been ruled out of the clash, given he was the last player to sign for the Storm, effectively sending them over the cap.
Smith's absence would have been due to the NRL's 'last man in' rule, although with Kasiano moving overseas, it allows the Storm to move back under the cap and be compliant for next Thursday's clash.
Kasiano was close to joining St George Illawarra, although Catalans' contract offer was too good to refuse.