Packer's NRL return dashed

Former Warriors prop Russell Packer has been told by the NRL that his playing ban will continue until at least the end of this year. Photo / Getty Images.

Former Warriors prop Russell Packer has been told by the NRL that his playing ban will continue until at least the end of this year.

Packer had hoped to begin playing with St George Illawarra Dragons immediately but while he is allowed to train with the squad he was told yesterday that he will be restricted to playing NSW Cup for 2015.

The good news for the former Kiwis international is that he is allowed to play with the Dragons' feeder club, the Illawarra Cutters.

The NRL will continue to monitor Packer's off-field behavior and ensure he continues his rehabilitation while they consider re-registering his contract for 2016.
Rugby League Players' Association chief executive David Garnsey told the Sydney Morning Herald he supported the decision to allow Packer to resume training with the Dragons.

"We support his return to full-time training with the Dragons as the first step in his return to playing professional rugby league," Garnsey said.

"We're aware the Dragons are in discussions with the NRL and we're confident that when they consider the work Russell has done and continues to do, he'll soon be given approval to resume his football career.

"Our team has been working with Russell over an extended period and he has been doing everything asked of him. He completed several programs as part of his rehabilitation whilst in prison and since his release has continued to make significant progress. Russell learned a hard lesson and is grateful to be back with his family. He is now focused on his future and to that end has been training, working and studying as he awaits a decision on his playing career."

Packer has been waiting for news on his playing future since being released from Sydney's Silverwater jail in January after serving 12 months of a maximum two-year sentence for assault.

The Dragons are standing by ready to offer the Foxton-born 25-year-old a three-year deal.

Packer has been occupying himself by training alone most mornings before working and training in the evenings with the Cutters.