Sport

Packer could still have future in NRL

19:02 pm on 22 January 2014

The National Rugby League isn't closing the door on a possible return to rugby league for jailed former Kiwis prop Russell Packer once he completes his prison sentence.

Earlier this month Packer was jailed for two-years for an assault in Sydney.

Packer, who is appealing the jail term, signed a four-year-deal with Newcastle at the end of last season but the NRL refused to register the contract because of the incident.

The 24-year-old has since been sacked by the Knights.

The NRL's head of football Tood Greenberg hasn't ruled out rugby league playing a role in Packer's rehabilitation.

The former Warriors prop gained notoriety last year when he was fined $15,000 for urinating on the field during a Warriors match against Brisbane.