Newcastle Knights recruit off to court

NEWCASTLE Knights recruit Russell Packer has been charged following an alleged incident that left a man unconscious and with a fractured eye socket.

The former Warrior, 24, attended Newcastle Police Station yesterday afternoon where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and failure to quit a licensed premises.

The incident occurred at approximately 1.30am in Martin Place, Sydney, last Saturday night.

‘‘A 22-year-old Summer Hill man was found unconscious at the scene and treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics,’’ NSW police said. ‘‘He was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for treatment of a fractured eye socket.’’

Packer was granted conditional bail and will appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on January 6.

In June, Packer was fined $15,000 for urinating in his shorts during an NRL match at Suncorp Stadium. Packer is the fifth NRL star charged by police this week.

South Sydney centre Dylan Walker and Canterbury recruit Tyrone Phillips were charged over their alleged involvement in a violent brawl that left three men in hospital.

Manly’s Richie Fa’aoso was charged on Monday with malicious damage and drink driving, while Canterbury’s Reni Maitua was charged with assault for an alleged incident involving a taxi driver.