Quality players are often hard to find but for the Newcastle Knights, they have found one, as talented New Zealand Warriors prop Russell Packer signs on with the Hunter-based club on a 4-year deal.
The Warriors, who agreed to release Packer from the remainder of his contract with the club after coming to a mutual agreement, the club was thankful for what Packer has done for the club despite his recent injury concerns this season.
Packer, who was a foundation player of the side’s NYC team back in 2008 and has since gone on to play more than 100 games for the club, they wish him all the best.
“While he had injury issues this year, Russell has given us good service in his six seasons after coming to the club as a young player with potential,†said Warriors General Manager of Football Operations, Dean Bell.
“We appreciate what he achieved with the Vodafone Warriors and wish him all the best renewal hgh as he looks to make a new start in the NRL.â€
With 110 games to his name since making his debut in 2008, Knights CEO Matt Gidley is excited to have a prop of Packer’s calibre on board.
“We are excited to bring Russell Packer to the Club, he will certainly add power and a real point of difference to our team,†CEO Matt Gidley said.
“Russell is a young Kiwi international and will compliment our current front row stocks. His addition to our squad will also bring further confidence to the team.”
For Packer himself, he looks forward to the challenge of joining the Knights and playing well.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Warriors since joining the Club in 2007 but to have the opportunity to play at the Knights and to be coached by Wayne Bennett is special,†Packer said.
“I look forward to joining the Knights in the pre-season and assisting the Knights’ premiership ambitions.â€