But the Temora Dragons product is excited at the prospect of being a first grade regular after signing a three year deal with Canterbury from next season.

A glute injury late in the pre-season came at an inopportune time for the 23-year-old back rower, who has played just two NRL games this year after Kenny Bromwich made the most of his chance.

Spotted by Storm playing for Group Nine at a Country Clusters carnival, Stimson signed his first deal with the club aged 16 and moved to Melbourne two years later.

He has played 41 games across three seasons, including last year's 21-6 grand final loss to the Roosters.

"It (decision to leave) was pretty tough, the club's been a big part of my life and I've pretty much grown up there," he said.

"They teach you to be a better bloke more than to be a better footy player, to be honest. They teach you good values and if you don't buy in, you're out of there. They teach you a lot about respect.

"To be honest I didn't (ever see myself leaving), I love the club and everything it stands for. I didn't particularly want to leave but the Bulldogs are a good club and I'm looking forward to the opportunity.

"He (Bulldogs coach Dean Pay) told me about his vision and where they hope to go, it really excited me. The club's in a massive rebuilding stage at the moment and hopefully I can be a part of that phase, and help them come out the other side."

Stimson has played most of the year with unbeaten Melbourne's unbeaten Queensland Cup affiliate Sunshine Coast Falcons, and wants to re-establish himself as a regular first grader.

"It's been quite frustrating, especially how I finished the end of last year," he said.

"I was pretty unfortunate to have an injury at the start of the year at one of the most important times in trials. It gave someone else an opportunity and to Kenny's credit he's been playing some pretty good footy."

Stimson said he's "still pinching himself" a kid from Temora could get a football education off Storm greats Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.

"When you sit back and think about it and not act like it's a day-to-day thing, it's pretty amazing," he said.

"The best thing is those guys treat you like they've known you most of your life and there's no egos down there."

"Another positive moving to Sydney is I'm closer to home. I love the Temora Dragons and when I can help out, I do.

"One of my best mates Sam Elwin is coaching them, I'll probably get a few more chances now to help out."

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