Controversial forward Russell Packer has been cleared to resume his NRL career after signing a two-year deal with St George Illawarra.

The 26-year-old last played in the NRL in 2013.

The former New Zealand Warriors enforcer was sentenced to two years in prison in January 2014 after being found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was released in January this year.

Packer earned a Dragons deal after impressing with the Illawarra Cutters this year, earning a nod in the 2015 NSW Cup Team of the Year at prop.