NRL: Packer eyeing Mt Smart return

Former Warrior Russel Packer. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Former Warriors prop Russell Packer could be back playing on Mt Smart Stadium next month when he ventures to Auckland with the Dragons' feeder side the Illawarra Cutters.

The 25-year-old has been performing well since returning to the playing field last month with the Cutters, in the second-tier NSW Cup competition, after being released from prison in January.

The two-test Kiwis international served a year in jail after pleading guilty to an assault that left former Auckland league player Enoka Time with head injuries in October 2013. Packer's original two-year sentence was later reduced on appeal due to his impressive rehabilitation while in prison.

St George-Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale says Packer is making good progress back on the football field and preparing for a hopeful return to the NRL in 2016.

Nightingale is in regular contact with his former Kiwis teammate and says Packer is thriving being back in a team environment and easing his way back into top form with the fourth-placed Cutters.

"He's been great," said Nightingale. "I get to see him quite a bit. He's not allowed to train with us yet so he's training with our feeder club but we try to stay involved with him as he will be joining us on a fulltime basis next year.

"He's just happy being back playing and being in the feeder side it gives him a chance to enjoy his footy.

"There's not a lot of pressure that would be on Russell, playing in that grade, so I'm sure he's just getting his body back in the mix and really preparing to have a good season with the reserve grade.

"The Cutters have really picked up form since he's joined them. They're pretty heavily in the eight now so I'm sure he's just looking forward to getting that season done and enjoying his season before the serious stuff starts again."

The Cutters return to action tomorrow when they host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, after their third and final bye last weekend.

Prior to the bye, the Cutters had claimed three-straight victories, including a comprehensive 24-6 last-start win over the Newtown Jets.

Packer looks in good shape and performed well in the back-row against the Jets, and wore a smile after he dived over to score the Cutters' third try - his first four-pointer since returning to the game.

The NRL continue to monitor and assess Packer's off-field behaviour as he continues his rehabilitation and the Dragons are hopeful of registering an NRL contract for Packer for 2016.

Warriors fans may have their chance to see Packer back in action at Mt Smart Stadium, if he joins the Cutters for the trip across to play the Warriors on July 12.