A surprise inclusion in the squad ahead of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Packer has beaten out experienced hardmen Adam Blair and Martin Taupau for a starting berth.
The 27-year-old had wondered if his career was over after spending a year in prison for assault in 2014.
Packer admitted to being first shocked, and then emotional, when he received the call last week from Kidwell to inform him of his selection.
He labelled his selection as a reward for the family and friends that have stuck by him.
