The Canberra Times understands White's recruitment on a three-year contract is now a virtual done deal.

The move only awaits clearance from the NRL, whose salary cap audit team will be required to approve it.

Cooma product White's return to his home region will signal the end of the career of Canberra stalwart Troy Thompson, who will pursue a career at another club or retire.

The recruitment of Kangaroos prop White will excite many within the Raiders' player and supporter fraternity, bolstering an imposing forward pack that already features Origin props David Shillington and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs.

However, some have argued the club doesn't need the extra forward power and should have spent its energy and resources luring an experienced halfback. Plenty of energy has gone into that search already with no result.

White is still contracted to the Storm for two seasons. To be released from the remainder of that contract, the NRL would need to allow any shortfall between what the Storm had planned to pay him and what the Raiders will pay to be counted in this year's blown cap.

News of White's signing comes three days before the Raiders are due to meet the Storm in Melbourne.

The Raiders face an already colossal task to beat the Storm at its home ground, where they've only won once. That challenge could be made tougher if star fullback Josh Dugan is forced out with a shoulder injury.

Dugan failed to train with his teammates yesterday and instead had scans on his corked shoulder blade.

Should he be ruled out of the round 21 match, it would be a cruel blow to Canberra's hopes of ending its losing streak in Victoria.

Dugan is expected to travel with the team, but coach David Furner has already started devising back-up plans if his boom fullback is unable to play. Daniel Vidot and David Milne both trained as cover for Dugan.

If Vidot moves to fullback, Drury Low may be called into the top grade.

However, Furner is keen to keep Vidot who has bagged four tries in the past-two games on the wing and Milne is still battling an abductor strain.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times

SUNDAY

NRL round 21: Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park, 2pm. TV Time: Live on Fox Sports2.