Russell Packer. Photo / Getty Images
Russell Packer has emerged as a prime target of the Newcastle Knights and it is becomingly increasingly likely the popular prop won't be at Mt Smart next season.
Packer endured a frustrating 2013 season, with injuries restricting him to just nine appearances. He showed glimpses of his best form but
unfortunately his season will mostly be remembered for the urinating incident at Suncorp Stadium.
The 23-year-old is under contract until the end of next season but the Warriors may be willing to grant him an early release.
The club has ample stocks in the front row. Aside from the established talents of Ben Matulino, Sam Rapira and Jacob Lillyman, Suaia Matagi has emerged as a promising talent and was one of the best rookies in the NRL. Charlie Gubb also showed enough against the monster Souths pack in Perth to indicate he is worth investing in and there are big expectations on Sione Lousi. Lousi played 22 of the Warriors' 24 games in 2012 and was tracking as one of the best at the club in pre-season before his season-ending injury in the first trial against the Titans.
Still, if he does depart Packer would be a significant loss. He made his debut in 2008 and has accumulated 110 NRL games since . His size and bulk - he is 1.88m and hovers around 110kg - offers a point of difference from the typical hard-charging NRL prop. Packer is mobile for a big man and expert at absorbing the impact of a tackle but still making a few extra metres with each carry. He is also a more than capable defender.
