Former Warriors prop Russell Packer has been told by the NRL that his playing ban will continue until at least the end of this year. Photo / Getty Images.
Former Warriors prop Russell Packer has been told by the NRL that his playing ban will continue until at least the end of this year.
Packer had hoped to begin playing with St George Illawarra Dragons immediately but while he is allowed to train with the squad he was told
yesterday that he will be restricted to playing NSW Cup for 2015.
The good news for the former Kiwis international is that he is allowed to play with the Dragons' feeder club, the Illawarra Cutters.
The NRL will continue to monitor Packer's off-field behavior and ensure he continues his rehabilitation while they consider re-registering his contract for 2016.
Rugby League Players' Association chief executive David Garnsey told the Sydney Morning Herald he supported the decision to allow Packer to resume training with the Dragons.
"We support his return to full-time training with the Dragons as the first step in his return to playing professional rugby league," Garnsey said.
