While his captain Cameron Smith predicts a smooth transition back into the NRL line-up, new Storm signing Will Chambers is banking on being in a “world of pain” before that happens.

Chambers officially returned to the Melbourne fold on Monday after two years playing rugby union with the Queensland Reds and, most recently, Munster in Ireland.

The 23-year-old centre switched codes after the Storm’s 2009 grand final victory but said that the club had always remained in his heart and he leapt at the chance to again be coached by Craig Bellamy.

He excelled in his first year with the Reds but had limited game time in his second season following a shoulder injury.

“I’m excited to be back, it’s been a special part of my heart this club,” Chambers said.

“I enjoyed my time with rugby but my heart was always with league and I was lucky enough for the club to give me another chance.”

After flying from the northern hemisphere winter into the steamy Melbourne summer, Chambers was expecting the worst from his first training session.

“They definitely do something different down here … it’s very tough, you ask any of the boys,” he said.

“I’ll be in a world of pain after a couple of hours out on the field.”

Smith was delighted to have Chambers, who grew up in the Northern Territory, back in the squad.

He said his return gave great depth in the centres, with Queensland State of Origin representative Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair and Justin O’Neill in contention.

“It should be a pretty quick transition for him to get back into the fold here,” the captain said.

“He can hold his own … I’m sure when selection comes around for round one, this bloke’s name will be high on the list.”

Smith remains on restricted training for another fortnight following bone bruising to his shoulder which last week ruled him out of the All Stars match.

He said he would likely miss the Storm’s first two trials and return for their last pre-season hit-out against the Broncos in Tasmania.

“It’s a lot better than it was last week but it’s still pretty tender,” he said.

“It was a big decision for me to step down out of the match because it’s a game I really enjoy playing but the physios said it was a risk going into that game.”