Rehabilitated St George-Illawarra prop Russell Packer has a strong chance to start for St George-Illawarra next season after being cleared by immigration authorities to stay in Australia.
Despite his playing contract being signed off by the NRL two months ago, there were fears the former Kiwis Test representative would be deported back to New Zealand due to his criminal conviction.
However Packer is now to free to return to the NRL, completing a storied comeback from a one-year stint in jail for assault in Sydney in 2013.
"The Dragons have been advised by Russell Packer's legal team of the positive outcome with respect to his immigration status," the club said in a statement.
"The Dragons and Russell respect the process, are pleased by the outcome and have no further comment to make on the situation.
"Russell's position at the Dragons remains unchanged, in that he continues to train full-time in preparation for the 2016 season."
Packer received plenty of support in the form of a petition to keep him in Australia from a number of rugby league players, headed by teammate and countryman Benji Marshall and former clubmate Manu Vatuvei.
Should coach Paul McGregor select Packer in his line-up for the club's season-opener against Melbourne on March 7, it will end a 995-day wait since he last appeared for the Warriors two years ago.
The Dragons are well stocked for props, including skipper Ben Creagh, Leeson Ah Mau, Mike Cooper and new recruit Mose Masoe from St Helens.
But after an impressive season for the Dragons feeder side Illawarra Cutters that resulted in him being named in the NSW Cup Team of the Year, Packer could easily be drafted into a starter's role.
Packer has played 110 games in the NRL since making his debut for the Warriors in 2008. He also appeared for New Zealand for two Tests in 2011.
He signed with the Dragons on a two-year deal in October.
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