Guinness and potatoes appear to have been off the menu for Melbourne centre Will Chambers, who has impressed his coach Craig Bellamy since his return to the NRL from playing rugby in Ireland.

The 23-year-old will on Saturday night suit up for his second game back in Storm’s colours in a pre-season clash with Canberra in Albury.

Leaving Melbourne in 2009, Chambers played two seasons with the Queensland Reds with mixed results and then joined Irish giants Munster.

However he saw an offer to return to league with Melbourne as too good to refuse.

Chambers started training with the Storm last month, looking the goods with his hulking 101kg 190cm frame.

“He was always a good size but I think when he left us he was only 21, he’s 23 now so he’s got those extra couple of years on him,” Bellamy said.

“And I think coming from union they probably do a bit more work in the gym than league players so he’s put a couple of kilos on.”

Bellamy liked the size but was even more pleased that Chambers hadn’t lost any of his athleticism.

“I think what’s impressed me the most since he’s been back is his pace and his ability to change direction with pace.

“He was very impressive in our first trial and he’ll be a bit more tested this week, playing an NRL side, but we’re really happy to have him back.”

Chambers will be in tussle for a starting jersey with Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair, Justin O’Neill and promising Victorian Mahe Fonua.

Before he originally left the club he was anointed as a future representative player.

After farewelling so many players over recent years due to salary cap restraints, Bellamy said it was great to get two back, with Ryan Hoffman also returning after a season with Super League club Wigan.

“He and Hoffy (Ryan Hoffman) aren’t just two quality players, they’re quality people as well so we’re really happy,” Bellamy said.