Australia is set to deport former Kiwis and Warriors front-rower Russell Packer to New Zealand immediately, according to reports.
Sydney Radio 2UE host and former Australian international John Gibbs said last night that the St George-Illawarra Dragons prop would be forced to leave Australia due to his criminal past, href="http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/russell-packer-involved-in/kh2r4bsw6cvi1epy831l10nab" target="_blank">sportal.com.au reported.
2UE Later tweeted a quote from Gibbs, saying: "My information from Canberra is that Russell Packer will be deported".
The prospect comes as the Australian government toughens their stance against non-citizens who have broken their laws.
Packer 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.
Late last month Packer received the green light for an NRL return next year after being forced to play this season in the second tier New South Wales Cup competition with the Dragons' feeder side the Illawarra Cutters.
The 26-year-old finished the year as captain, earning NSW Cup Team of the Year selection.
He was cleared to train full-time with the Dragons in August, the same time he began a university business degree.
Packer's Dragons contract is believed to have included behavioural clauses.
Dragons boss Peter Doust described Packer's behaviour as "exemplary" since his arrival.
He has already undergone alcohol rehabilitation and education programs 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.
