Melbourne have re-signed Jeff Lima through to the end of the 2011 NRL season after the Kiwi Test prop rejected a lucrative offer from the Bulldogs.

Lima held talks with the Bulldogs earlier this week but they were unable to convince the 25-year-old to leave the defending premiers.

His decision to remain with the Storm for a further three years is a massive blow for the Bulldogs who are yet to make a big dent in the player market despite having plenty of room to move under the salary cap.

Lima joined the Storm in 2006 after returning from a stint in France, the former Wests Tigers forward happy to repay Melbourne for giving him another opportunity in the NRL.

"The Storm gave me a chance to get back into the NRL and for that I will be eternally grateful," Lima said.

"The winning attitude of the players here and the determination of the coaching staff for continued success makes this the best place for me to play my football."

Lima's re-signing comes a day after Storm backrower Sam Tagataese announced he had signed with the Gold Coast next season.

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