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Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett says the NRL club has a duty of care towards Russell Packer and his family after the new recruit was sentenced to two years in jail for assault on Monday.
The former Warriors prop moved to Newcastle ahead of the 2014 season after signing a three-year deal with the Knights but his future is now very much up in the air.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Bennett stressed Newcastle did not condone Packer’s behaviour but that the club had an obligation to look after the 24-year-old and his family.
“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,” 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’s legal team have launched an appeal against his sentence after he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and failing to leave a venue.
The appeal will be heard on February 11.
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