League: Packer in more hot water

While the outcome is still uncertain, the episode has come at an unfortunate time. Photo / Getty Images

The Newcastle Knights are disappointed Russell Packer has become embroiled in an off-field investigation, just as he was showing signs of "rekindling his love for the game".

Packer, who left the Warriors at the end of last season, was questioned by Newcastle police this week in relation to an incident the previous Friday that allegedly left a man unconscious on a central Sydney street.

According to the Newcastle Herald, Packer was not formally interviewed and no charges have been laid at this stage. The NRL integrity unit is investigating.

While the outcome is still uncertain, the episode has come at an unfortunate time. Packer has reportedly been working hard in Newcastle, determined to make an impact after the awkward shift from his hometown club.

"He started earlier than most of the rest of the squad," says Knights football manager Warren Smiles. "He has been training the house down and putting in a lot of effort. He's been doing plenty of extra work and has certainly made a good impression."

Packer had a strong 2011 season - culminating in selection for the Kiwis - as part of the four-prop rotation (Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman and Sam Rapira) that powered the Warriors all the way to the grand final. He struggled to recapture that form in 2012 and was dogged by injuries last season, which hampered his ability to attain match fitness and perform at peak.

The 24-year-old was also affected by the infamous urination incident at Suncorp Stadium. Packer, 1.88m and 112kg, earned the Warriors a $15,000 fine for the incident and later apologised. But he'll be looking to emulate NRL bad boys Willie Mason and Joey Leilua, both of whom turned their careers around under leading coach Wayne Bennett at Newcastle.

"Over the last few seasons, he probably hasn't reached the standards that he is capable of," says Smiles. "We hope that by coming here we can help him to rekindle his spirit for the game and rediscover his enthusiasm for the sport. Wayne Bennett has a good track record in that area so we are confident that it can happen."

Smiles explains that Packer should be a good fit for the Knights, to complement a pack that already has a lot of high work rate athletes.

"He gives us that extra size and is a good addition to our rotation," says Smiles.

"He has always been tough and uncompromising; he's got good leg speed, plenty of power and good ball skills, though we probably haven't seen that as much recently."

Packer's wife and two children are due to arrive in Newcastle in the next two weeks, as the family completes the move across the Tasman.