Packer's Contract Terminated
The Knights have announced they will part ways with Russell Packer

Tags: Russell Packer, Newcastle Knights



The Knights have moved quickly, terminating Russel Packer's employment with the club after the 23-year-old recruit was jailed for two years after a drunken assault in the Sydney CBD last November.

It comes with a petition doing the rounds with more than 10,000 signatures calling on the club to rip up his contract.

“There was never any doubt we would terminate Russell’s employment following Monday’s sentence however we had a process,” CEO Matt Gidley said.

“Sponsors, corporate partners, Members and fans who have supported the administration throughout this process knew we were doing what was right, despite criticism.”

Knights Official Announcement
The Newcastle Knights met with Russell Packer on Sunday, the first opportunity since his custodial sentence was issued last Monday.

In accordance with Club Policy, Packer has been formally advised his employment has been terminated, effective immediately.

“There was never any doubt we would terminate Russell’s employment following Monday’s sentence however we had a process,” CEO Matt Gidley said.

“As we stated from the beginning and when we stood Russell down, first and foremost it was a legal process.

“At our first opportunity to meet with Russell, we advised him in person of our decision.”

Coach Wayne Bennett added, “As a Club, we knew this was a no-win situation and we accepted that.

“We had a responsibility to handle this situation in a manner mindful of his young family, the Club, its sponsors, Members and the community as a whole.

“Until Sunday, no person including family members, had been allowed access to Russell.

“To reiterate, Russell acted independently on the night of the incident and was stood down as soon as the facts were established.

“We are all extremely disappointed and have never condoned Russell’s actions, however he still had a right to be informed of our decision first.

“Sponsors, corporate partners, Members and fans who have supported the administration throughout this process knew we were doing what was right, despite criticism.”

The Club will continue its duty of care to ensure the welfare of Russell’s partner and two young children, who relocated to Newcastle last month.

Earlier On Triple M
The Knights have released a statement on Russell Packer after the 24-year-old forward was sentenced to two-years jail for a drunken assault in central Sydney. Read the full statement below

Newcastle Knights Official Statement
When the Newcastle Knights became aware of the incident involving Russell Packer, the Club stated it would allow the legal process to be completed before making a decision on his future.

From the moment the Club became aware of the facts surrounding Packer’s incident, he was immediately stood down. At the same time, the NRL refused Packer’s contract application.

The Club acknowledge Packer pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Monday, but also acknowledge the legal process remains ongoing.

The Club does not condone Packer’s behaviour, however there is an obligation to ensure the welfare of him and his young family.

Packer relocated his family from New Zealand to Newcastle and they are without a support network.

“Russell arrived in Newcastle prior to the official start of pre-season, didn’t attend a formal training session or a function and hasn’t played a game for our Club,” coach Wayne Bennett said.

“Russell acted independent of the Club, our players, our staff, on the night of the incident.

“Russell has acted inappropriately, no one is arguing that fact, however we as a Club still believe we have a duty of care to Russell and his family.

“Once the legal process is concluded, we will make a decision and discuss that with Russell before making it public."

Packer will appeal his sentence at a hearing on February 11.

Earlier On Triple M
Newcastle Knights football general manager Warren Smiles told reporters outside court on Monday: "There is a process in place with the appeal going forward to the court date in February.

"From there we will support Russell through the process and his family, his two young children."

While, Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett also defended his player, with quotes from a letter he wrote read out in court.

"If given the opportunity, the Knights can help him develop his social skills," the letter read.

"There is a strong leadership group at the Knights who are all committed to working with Mr Packer during the rehabilitation process."

Bennett said the club had organised "Project Packer", which is a plan to help the player deal with his issues involving alcohol and anger management, alongside getting him involved with community service.

Packer and his partner Lara Wilcox (Facebook)

Packer's family is understood to be reeling at this time, in particular his partner Lara Wilcox. The pair have two children together.

"She's upset to the max, she's gutted," Packer's father Russell snr told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"It's a shocker, she's devastated. She wasn't saying much, mate, she was crying, she was in tears."

Earlier On Triple M
Former Warriors and Knights player Russell Packer has been sentenced to two years' jail for a drunken assault in central Sydney.

Downing Centre Local Court was told Packer punched a man in the face multiple times and stomped on his head while he was on the ground last November at Martin Place during an alcohol fuelled night out.

The victim was believed to have suffered two fractured bones.

"The person fell to the ground and luckily, it would appear, did not suffer those injuries seen in media reports as of late," magistrate Greg Grogan addressed Packer and the court on Monday (AAP).

"There was potential for that, Mr Packer."

"You added fuel to the fire by attacking a man lying motionless on the ground, punching him and then standing up and stomping on his head."

Packer's lawyer Murugan Thangaraj attempted to reduce the severity of the incident saying: "This is not a king-hit".

After lodging an appeal, Mr. Thangaraj applied for bail for Packer, which
the prosecution did not oppose.

But Magistrate Grogan said he was concerned about community safety if Packer was released on bail and that Packer appeared to be a ticking time bomb on the night of the assault - Packer's bail application was denied.

The appeal against the severity of the sentence has been lodged for February 11.

Earlier On Triple M
The 24-year-old pled guilty to an assault charge laid after an incident in November last year in Sydney.

The incident was understood to have occurred at Martin Place during an alcohol fuelled night out with Packer's victim said to have suffered two fractured bones.

He appeared in Downing Centre Local Court today where he also pled guilty to failing to vacate premises after he was ordered to leave.

The Newcastle Knights have yet to release a statement.

Trial: Parramatta 60-14 Wests Tigers

The Tigers played twice in 24 hours?

They only smashed Penrith in Camden yesterday. :-s

The 9's has been great fun so far. Worth watching just for Freddy and Beaver

Freddy with a top try against the Broncos. Eels 2/2 knocking out the Lebs in the process and all but booking themselves a spot in the finals.

Great tournament so far, pity its in New Zealand though.

What a surprise, Queensland wanting to disregard the eligiblity rules for a player they want for Origin.

There have been a shit load of complaints about the 9s tournament created

Especially given that its taken out the Indigenous All Stars game as a result of doing so

Mercifully, It is only on for a weekend

Good. Didn't care for the Indigenous All Stars games.

Finally won something after 19 years ;)

Josh Hoffman's manager has confirmed the player has asked for a release several times and wants to join the Bulldogs.

Beating you in the process ;)

-PB

Bizarre that we've denied this, I was under the assumption that this was common knowledge months ago. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Yep, picking a team on race is one of the things that should have died years ago.