Russell Packer returns to League

Russell Packer is set to return to rugby league for the Illawarra Cutters this afternoon. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Former New Zealand Warriors prop Russell Packer is returning to rugby league, a first step he hopes will see him return to the NRL.

Packer will take the field for the Illawarra Cutters against Newton today, which will represent the first time he's taken the field since 2013, after being released from prison four months ago.

The two-test Kiwi international served a year in prison after pleading guilty to an assault charge after punching and stomping on an unconscious man in October 2013. The victim suffered two facial fractures as a result of the alcohol-fuelled attack, with Packer's original two-year sentence being later reduced on appeal due to his impressive rehabilitation whilst in prison.

In his first interview since being released, the 25-year-old spoke to The Daily Telegraph about his return to the league field and how he has changed for the better.

"A year and a half to two years away is refreshing because you realise why you're playing and I just love league. I love to play, it's definitely exciting. It will be really exciting for me to play this week if it happens but it will just be another step in a long process. That's included the jail as well, just recovering and finding who I am again."

"I feel as though I paid a decent price for what I'd done, and feel I'm over it. I'm more glad for the things I've learnt along the way. It changed me a lot. Really changed me," said Packer, who is yet to have an NRL playing contract registered, but has been cleared by New South Wales Rugby League to play for the Cutters.

Packer's had four months to prepare for his return, and he says frustration over having to wait for a potential return to the NRL is not a big issue.

"Obviously your view of frustration is a lot different to being locked in a cell for 23 hours a day. That's frustrating. You know what is frustrating? Getting stuck somewhere and you can't get out. I am used to that feeling. The thing is I can get out here. That's why I am not as frustrated as people probably think I am.

"This hasn't been an easy process, I have been out of jail for four months and it looks like I am getting closer to playing at some level and getting a stepping stone to the NRL."