St George Illawarra prop Russell Packer isn't worried about 2018 in the slightest, as he looks to depart the Dragons with a bang.
Packer signed a four-year deal with the Wests Tigers on Tuesday afternoon but shirked any talk of his move by reaffirming his commitment to the Red V until season's end.
The New Zealand international said he believes the Dragons can give the competition a shake once they put their current three-game losing run to bed.
"It's good to secure a future for my family and I, but that's in 2018. My sole focus is on this year with the Dragons," Packer said.
"We've had a couple of tough losses in the past few weeks so I'm hoping we get back on track in New Zealand.
"Under the circumstances that I came to the club, having that ability to rebuild my career as a rugby league player but also my life, I have the utmost respect for everybody involved at the Dragons," he added.
"There are too many people to thank for the almost three years I've been here."
Packer's well-documented past hasn't hindered his progress at the Dragons over the last few seasons.
Ticking boxes on and off the field – considering his return to the Kiwis side a fortnight ago and his successful tertiary studies at the University of Wollongong – Packer said there's more memories to be made before he leaves.
"I always believed in myself and my ability as a rugby league player. I paid the price for my past troubles, but I've always believed that if you put in the hard work then you'll end up getting the results," Packer said.
"I've been able to do that at the Dragons. It's a great environment and I treasure the memories I've had here so far. I'm hoping to add a few good memories before I move on."
