From SMH - sorry guys, still can't post links.
St George Illawarra prop Russell Packer is expected to attend training on Friday amid reports that he faces deportation over the assault charge for which he was released from jail earlier this year.
Packer, who this week graduated from Wollongong Tafe with a Certificate IV in Community Services, is still awaiting a decision on his future after Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton recently said the New Zealand prop could have his Australian visa cancelled.
It was reported on Thursday night by 2UE sports broadcaster John Gibbs that Packer was set to be deported under new immigration laws after being sentenced to jail in 2014 for assaulting a man outside a Sydney hotel and would not be able to fulfil his two year contract with the Dragons.
However, Packer's legal advisors have told St George Illawarra officials that no decision has yet been made and he would be at training on Friday with team-mates, who have now returned from their off-season break.
Packer was unable to play for the Dragons this year after the NRL refused to register his contract and spent the season playing with Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup while studying for his Community Services certificate.
The Kiwi International also worked as a mentor for the 'Score Dragons' program, which was named NRL Community Program of the Year and was named the Cutters player of the year.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...on-ruling-20151113-gkxxrq.html?skin=text-only