NRL: Petition to keep Russell Packer in Australia attracts large support

Russell Packer while playing with the Warriors. He was jailed in 2014 after being found guilty of assault. Photo / Getty Images.

More than 1000 people have added their names to an online petition calling on the Australian Government not to deport former Kiwis and Warriors NRL forward Russell Packer.

Reports out of Sydney late last week suggested Packer would be forced out of Australia due to his criminal past, as the Australian Government toughens its stance against non-citizens who have broken their laws.

The 26-year-old was sentenced to two years in prison in January 2014 after being found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was released in January this year and thrown a career lifeline by the St George-Illawarra Dragons, but had to sit out the season after the NRL refused to register his contract.

He spent the year playing in the second-tier New South Wales Cup competition with the Dragons' feeder side the Illawarra Cutters, while also studying towards a Certificate IV in Community Services.

His impressive on-field form saw him named the Cutters Player of the Year and earned him selection in the NSW Cup Team of The Year, and late last month he received the green light for an NRL return next year.

That return is now under question, after Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's office said on Friday that Packer's application for a working visa was still to be determined.

Reports suggest a decision could be reached in the coming weeks, while Sydney's Seven News reported on Friday that Packer's fate might not be determined until his parole ends on January 5.

Malcolm Turnbull MP: LET RUSSELL PACKER STAY IN AUSTRALIA - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/yA5coE62NQ via @ChangeAUS

— krisnan nevada inu (@krisnan_inu) November 15, 2015

Packer's personal legal advisors are managing the case, while the Dragons and the NRL are leaving the situation in the hands of the Australian Federal Government.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman John Grant spoke in support of Packer, saying he had proved he was deserving of another chance to revive his career.

That support is growing after a petition was set up on Change.org appealing for Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull not to deport Packer.

"There's a lot worse people need to be deported before a man with a family and a job and not on any welfare who made a mistake and paid his dues," posted Australian David Allan.

"Australia gives people a fair go, he has done his time and become a model citizen," added Michael Bourdakis.

Packer, who graduated from Wollongong TAFE last week, has also received recognition for working as a mentor for the Score Dragons programme, which was named NRL Community Programme of the Year.

He has also undergone drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education programmes at the Dragons, and attended other courses without prompting.

Packer began his rugby league career with the Warriors in 2008 and has played 110 NRL Games to date.