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RUSSELL Packer’s road to rugby league redemption has taken another significant step with the former Kiwi Test prop back training with St George Illawarra’s NSW Cup team.
In the wake of the return of Danny Wicks and Blake Ferguson in NRL trials over the weekend, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Packer has also teamed up with the Illawarra Cutters in recent days.
After being released from jail last month, the 25-year-old spent the first couple of weeks reuniting with his young family before he returned to the workforce doing maintenance. He was initially training on his own but in the last few days he has been allowed to join the Cutters squad for training only as he waits for a decision on if he will be allowed to play again.
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust was on Sunday careful with his comments as he continues to work through the process with the NRL.
“Our club is continuing to assist Russell from an education and welfare perspective,” Doust said. “He is studying and has a job outside of rugby league but his main focus has been spending time with his family.
“Russell has been training individually and has just recently begun joining in some afternoon sessions post work with players contracted to the Illawarra Cutters but there are no decisions or time frames with regards to his potential playing future.” Dragons insiders are adamant the 25-year-old has done everything that has been asked of him and he is desperate to prove he is deserving of another chance in rugby league.
It was recently revealed Packer was an alcoholic throughout his teenage years and only became alcohol and drug free after he entered jail. It is believed Packer hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol since he was jailed and he has no intentions of ever drinking again. Packer is also undertaking rehabilitation courses that are required under his parole conditions. Packer wants to use his own experiences to help other young footballers and he has already spent time with a player from the under 20s competition who had a similar troubled upbringing.
The NRL yesterday would not speculate when Packer will be allowed to play again. While the NRL says publicly that the decision won’t be considered until the Dragons officially register a contract, privately it is understood the NRL wants Packer to prove “he is a fit and proper person”. He also has to complete a rehabilitation process similar to what Ferguson did before he had his contract with the Roosters registered.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor has already publicly backed Packer’s return — and while not condoning his actions, McGregor made the point last December that he believed a year in jail should be taken into account when considering Packer’s possible return date.
I hope Packer is cleared to play before rouond one this year.
In the wake of the return of Danny Wicks and Blake Ferguson in NRL trials over the weekend, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Packer has also teamed up with the Illawarra Cutters in recent days.
After being released from jail last month, the 25-year-old spent the first couple of weeks reuniting with his young family before he returned to the workforce doing maintenance. He was initially training on his own but in the last few days he has been allowed to join the Cutters squad for training only as he waits for a decision on if he will be allowed to play again.
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust was on Sunday careful with his comments as he continues to work through the process with the NRL.
“Our club is continuing to assist Russell from an education and welfare perspective,” Doust said. “He is studying and has a job outside of rugby league but his main focus has been spending time with his family.
“Russell has been training individually and has just recently begun joining in some afternoon sessions post work with players contracted to the Illawarra Cutters but there are no decisions or time frames with regards to his potential playing future.” Dragons insiders are adamant the 25-year-old has done everything that has been asked of him and he is desperate to prove he is deserving of another chance in rugby league.
It was recently revealed Packer was an alcoholic throughout his teenage years and only became alcohol and drug free after he entered jail. It is believed Packer hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol since he was jailed and he has no intentions of ever drinking again. Packer is also undertaking rehabilitation courses that are required under his parole conditions. Packer wants to use his own experiences to help other young footballers and he has already spent time with a player from the under 20s competition who had a similar troubled upbringing.
The NRL yesterday would not speculate when Packer will be allowed to play again. While the NRL says publicly that the decision won’t be considered until the Dragons officially register a contract, privately it is understood the NRL wants Packer to prove “he is a fit and proper person”. He also has to complete a rehabilitation process similar to what Ferguson did before he had his contract with the Roosters registered.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor has already publicly backed Packer’s return — and while not condoning his actions, McGregor made the point last December that he believed a year in jail should be taken into account when considering Packer’s possible return date.
I hope Packer is cleared to play before rouond one this year.
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