Wests Tigers stand ground on out-of-favour prop Russell Packer

The former New Zealand representative had a falling out with coach Michael Maguire and as a result has spent most of the year in Canterbury Cup with Wests Magpies.

Russell Packer has spent most of the year in reserve grade. Picture: Getty Images

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Wests Tigers aren’t prepared to release prop Russell Packer despite the fact he is out-of-favour and languishing in reserve grade.

Packer has only played four NRL games this season after falling out with coach Michael Maguire.

It’s understood the pair had a disagreement over Packer losing weight and they haven’t been on speaking terms throughout the season.

As a result, the former New Zealand representative has spent most of the year in Canterbury Cup with Wests Magpies.

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Russell Packer has spent most of the year in reserve grade. Picture: Getty Images

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Packer, 29, is contracted until the end of the 2021 season and is earning approximately $650,000 this year.

He is frustrated and open to finding another club but Tigers officials are standing their ground on a player they ­believe is required.

Despite this predicament, Packer could come into contention for an NRL recall following the recent knee injury to fellow prop Ben Matulino.

Russell Packer is contracted until the end of the 2021 season. Picture: Getty Images

Matulino injured a knee in the Tigers’ round 14 win over the Cowboys in Townsville.

The ex-Kiwi representative hasn’t trained since the setback and there are concerns he may not play again.

This may open the door for Packer, although he couldn’t crack the NRL after Matulino’s injury.

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Coach Maguire has preferred to play Josh Aloiai, Alex Twal and young gun Oliver Clark up front.

While the Tigers are reluctant to release Packer, his tenure at the Tigers appears to be untenable given his strained relationship with Maguire.

The ex-Dragons, Knights and Warriors prop would be better served playing at another club where he would receive more minutes and opportunity to showcase his barnstorming best.

Originally published as Wests Tigers stand ground on out-of-favour prop Russell Packer