Packer happy to fly under the radar in 2017

The former Kiwi International was on the comeback trail after two years out of the game, one of which was spent in prison after an assault conviction.

Deportation fears only heightened the interest in the story meaning the 27-year-old remained in the headlines throughout the the preseason.

It became just a small chapter in one of the great rugby league redemption stories that Packer will continue writing in 2017, but he’s happy to go about it in a much more low key fashion this time round.

“Obviously all the stuff that happened last year was the big [preseason] focus,” Packer said.

“It is what it is in terms of the stories and everything that happened but it has been quite a relief just approaching rugby league this year with the sole purpose of playing well.

“It’s been quite enjoyable not to have all those story lines attached to it and a year under my belt now back in the NRL where I can just concentrate on being the best player I can be.

“I had a few end-of-season surgeries last year so it’s been a long preseason like anyone else’s but we’re here now, five days out from the the start of the season, so I’m just excited.

“I can’t even really remember getting the operations now it’s been that long and I’m really keen to get out there on the field this week and get our season off to a good start and build some momentum into the year.”

While Packer has enjoyed a reduction in scrutiny, the Dragons will head into their round one clash with Penrith at Kogarah on Saturday under plenty of pressure following Charity Shield defeat to South Sydney. 

The 32-14 loss, The Dragons’ fifth straight defeat in the annual fixture, has seen fans apply the blowtorch to the club and coach Paul McGregor before a ball has even been kicked in the 2017 season-proper.

Packer, who was arguably the Dragons best in the clash, brought some perspective to the result, saying it hasn’t affected his side’s morale ahead of round one.

“It is what people want to make of it,” Packer said.

“It’s obviously a significant trial game with the rivalry and the shield but I think people do forget that it is a trial game.

“There were eight guys in that team that play in key positions who were having their first hit-out of the year. The game’s there to blow a bit of rust off like any trial game but it’s just televised so that’s probably why it gets so much attention.

“I wouldn’t say it’s put a dent in our confidence but it has made us look at a few areas where we were lacking in that game.

“Like any week we’ve taken the lessons out of it but it’s in the past for us. I don’t think before the Panthers game anyone’s going to be thinking about the fact we lost the Charity Shield.

“We’re solely focused on this first game. It’s a home game up at Kogarah and we’re excited to get out there and get our season off on the right foot.”