NRL: Russell Packer back training with Dragons

Russell Packer has been given the green light by the NRL to begin training with the St George Illawarra Dragons top side. Photo / Getty Images.

Former Kiwis and Warriors prop Russell Packer has been given the green light by the NRL to begin training with the St George Illawarra Dragons top side.

Packer has previously been restricted to training and playing with the Dragons' NSW Cup feeder side the Illawarra Cutters, following his release from jail in early January.

"The St George Illawarra Dragons advised on Friday that Russell Packer has this week been granted permission by the NRL to commence training with the club's full-time squad, in conjunction with his ongoing education and welfare programs," a club statement read.

"Packer has also this week commenced studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of Wollongong, having recently completed a Certificate IV in Community Services through TAFE Illawarra."

Packer served 12 months of a maximum two-year sentence for assault, for an attack in November 2013 during which he punched fellow New Zealander Enoka Time several times before stomping on his face in Sydney's CBD. At the time Packer was just one month into a reported $400,000 a year contract with the Newcastle Knights.

His contract was torn up following the attack, and Packer was de-registered from the NRL, before the Dragons offered him a lifeline.

The 25-year-old played his first game for the Cutters against Newtown in early May and quickly worked his way back into form, while off the field he also took up a role as a community development officer with the Dragons.

While the news means Packer is a step closer to making an NRL return it is unlikely he will be allowed to play for the Dragons this season.