Australia to deport ex-Warriors player Russell Packer - reports

Russell Packer while playing with the Warriors. He was jailed in 2014 after being found guilty of assault. Photo / Getty Images

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.

A media spokesman for the Dragons told the Herald that the matter is being managed by Packer's personal legal advisors.

The club has been advised that no decision has been made on his future in Australia but they will not make any further comment.

The NRL had no comment to make on the matter at this stage and a spokesman said it was an issue for the Australian government.

The Herald has sought comment from Australia's Department of Immigration and Border Protection but is yet to receive a reply.

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.