THE NRL has formally granted former jailbird Russell Packer permission to resume his shattered rugby league career.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Packer will start playing for new club St George Illawarra in the NSW Cup in the next week or two.

Provided Packer adjusts to his return successfully, the Dragons can then attempt to lodge a contract for the giant prop to play in the NRL from next season.

Packer, 25, will though have several undisclosed stipulations placed on him throughout the remainder of this year.

NRL officials believe Packer will benefit from playing in a team environment.

There is some chance Packer could play for Saints’ feeder club, Illawarra Cutters, against Wyong at WIN Stadium in the NSW Cup this Saturday afternoon.

media_camera Russell Packer will likely play in the NSW Cup with the Illawarra Cutters.

It is more likely however that Packer would return the following week.

Rugby league is once again being used for rehabilitation.

The NRL is satisfied with Packer’s recent behaviour but want him to continue his rehabilitation over a longer period — that being the rest of this year — before he can play NRL again.

Packer was released from jail in January and started meeting with NRL officials last month.

He has been training with the Cutters for more than month, readying himself for an anticipated comeback.

Packer spent two years in jail for assault.

The NRL demanded Packer undergo an alcohol rehabilitation and education program. It is understood Packer also attended further courses without prompting.

Packer was jailed after fracturing the eye socket of a 22-year-old man.

The attack was sickening. Packer punched the man in the face before punching the victim several additional times on the ground before stomping on his head.

The victim was left with two fractured facial bones. Packer pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The magistrate who heard the case, Greg Grogan, labelled Packer’s attack as “cowardly and deplorable”.

Packer formerly represented New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle, although he never actually played a match for the Knights, sacked after being found guilty of the assault in November, 2013.

Penrith also made a bid to sign Packer when he was released from jail. The Illawarra Cutters have won just one game this season and will no doubt welcome Packer’s size and experience. Packer is a former New Zealand international.