St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has implored the NRL to allow Russell Packer to resume his playing career as soon as he is released from jail early next year.
Packer, who has two young children, is due out of prison next month, having served time after being found guilty of a drunken assault in Sydney last year when he stomped on his victim while he lay motionless on the ground.
There is increasing speculation the former Warriors prop has already agreed to a deal with the Dragons, but the NRL won't make any decision on when he can play again until a club applies to have a contract registered.
More for the 25-year-old's family than the Dragons, McGregor hopes the league doesn't add to Packer's punishment by preventing him from playing for a further period.
"I don't condone what happened," McGregor said on Tuesday.
"But to be out of the game for 18 months and to be behind bars without his family for 12 months, it's a really tough sentence when you look at what happens out there for third and fourth offenders and people who hit women.
"It was an unfortunate incident, which was alcohol-fuelled, between a group of men. It was man v man.
"The fight happened and unfortunately it finished like it did, but I think 12 months is a really tough lesson for anyone in life."
Amid talk Packer will be rubbed out of the game for another six months, McGregor pleaded with the NRL to show some sympathy and not simply throw the New Zealand international into the same category as other off-field assault offenders.
"In my opinion, they should have a complete review over it and that's the choice that they have to make," McGregor said.
"There's no tougher penalty than being away from your family for 12 months.
"And if he was to sit out another six months out, how does he feed his family for another six months?
"If he has to do four or five different (rehabilitation) courses, where does he find time when he's working fulltime to feed the family?"
McGregor said he wouldn't know what mental or physical state Packer would be in to resume his playing career until he was released from prison.
"Only time will tell that," he said.
"The first and foremost thing is Russell and his family. To me, that's the most thing that needs to be fixed - what is best for that person and his family and then rugby league second.
"But I'll welcome him through the gate to coach him and mentor him, absolutely.
McGregor said he expected Packer to be open to an alcohol ban if need be.
"It's an interesting one for the NRL and I'll abide by the decision," McGregor said.
"But it's a lot different one than the others."
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