Rugby League: Melbourne Storm release Richard Swain

Melbourne Storm officials have made the toughest decision in the NRL club's short history, announcing they will release durable hooker Richard Swain at the end of the season.

Storm chief executive Chris Johns said salary cap restraints meant the club was unable to compete with the money Swain had been offered from England.

"Richard has been a great player and role model for the club," Johns said.

"We have been in breach of the salary cap for the last two years ... we are determined not to be fined again and as such have had to make some tough decisions."

Swain has played 138 first-grade games, including all 125 the Storm have played in their five-year history.