Russell Packer’s retirement the end of an era for himself and the Wests Tigers

Russell Packer will hang up the boots at season’s end following 12 seasons in the NRL.

Russell Packer will walk away from the NRL following 12 seasons, including 33 games at the Tigers. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Russell Packer’s retirement officially ends the big dollar back-end deals that have plagued the Wests Tigers for years.

Packer will walk away from the NRL following 12 seasons, including 33 games at the Tigers.

The former New Zealand international joined Wests in 2017 on a reported $3m four-year deal, but he struggled to play consistent football due to injury.

The Tigers have recently had a host of players on long-term contracts, including Packer, Josh Reynolds, and Dragons-bound back Moses Mbye, but their departures will free up valuable space at the club.

Packer, 31, who made his NRL debut in 2008, will retire with 184 first-grade games to his name.

The representative prop played 110 games for New Zealand Warriors and featured 41 times for the St George-Illawarra Dragons before joining Wests Tigers in 2018.

Russell Packer will hang up the boots at season’s end following 12 seasons in the NRL. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images.

In addition to his vast achievements at club level, Packer also played seven times for New Zealand — highlighted by the 2017 Rugby League World Cup — as well as matches for the New Zealand Maori (2010) and Maori All Stars team earlier this year.

“Rugby league has been my life since I was 17 and it’s always been a constant, so I’ll definitely miss that,” Packer said in reflection of his career.

“I got to play in a grand final and play for New Zealand early in my career, and while my life took a different path, being able to come back and re-establish myself and reach the pinnacle again with international football was a very special moment for me and my family.

“I’m incredibly proud of the way we have fought through the adversity we have.”

In an ideal world Packer would have played on, but his body wasn’t on the same page.

“With the injuries too that I’ve had in the past few seasons, this decision is something that I’ve been contemplating for a while,” he said.

“But it’s allowed me to be thankful this year and leave it all out there. I’ve noticed particularly through Covid just how special sport can be, and I’ve really enjoyed what I have been able to achieve in the game.

“I’m also incredibly thankful for the opportunity I had to captain Wests Tigers.

“I never expected to be made captain of a club, so it was a massive moment for not only myself but all who have been on the journey with me to get to that point.

“I’ve been around rugby league for a long time, so I can’t thank and appreciate everyone properly because sport has always given me such a connection to people.

“From a small town in New Zealand, I have been given opportunities I will always treasure and be thankful for because they have made me who I am today.”

Russell Packer’s retirement the end of an era for himself and the Wests Tigers. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Packer also endured tough times during his career, like in 2014 when he was sentenced to two years in prison for an assault in Central Sydney before having the sentence reduced to one year.

He worked hard to rebuild his career with countless community work before the Dragons handed him a lifeline, starting out in the NSW Cup.

Packer’s on-field efforts have also been matched by his continued desire for excellence off the field — diligent in his studies as he completed a Master of Business Administration (Executive) at the University of NSW‘s Australian Graduate School of Management in 2021.

Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe congratulated the veteran forward on a successful career and praised his continued commitment to rugby league.

“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to congratulate Russell on a great rugby league career which saw him play at the highest level,” Pascoe said.

“Russell has been a great asset to Wests Tigers in his determination on and off the field, and it is wonderful to recognise not only his career and achievements as a rugby league player but also the significant impact he has made away from the field.

“Since joining the club, Russell has been gone above and beyond in his contribution to the community while also working closely with the NRL on several core initiatives and programs.

“Russell is a fantastic family man, and we’d like to wish him, his partner Lara and children Madison and Marley all the very best for the future as they now transition into life beyond rugby league.”

At the completion of the 2021 season, Packer and his family will return to New Zealand where he will continue his work as the managing director of residential development company Capestone Developments.