Packer, who was jailed for assault in 2013, spent a year with the Illawarra Cutters after reforming his life last season and was rewarded with an NRL return this year. He was on track to play every game for the Dragons this season but, with his side out of finals contention, medical staff advised he undergo a shoulder operation in readiness for the upcoming preseason.

“I think it’s been an outstanding season from Russ,” McGregor said.

“Having not played [NRL] footy for three years and playing every game until we were knocked out finals contention for finals footy, with injuries, has shown he’s very tough and resilient in that way. Some of the footy he’s shown this year has been outstanding and he’s been exactly what we wanted for his first year at the club.”