Search

show me:

Jack De Belin agrees to stick with Dragons

3 minute read

Off-contracthas agreed to remain at NRL club St George Illawarra next year with his future still clouded.

JACK DE BELIN poses during the New South Wales Blues State of Origin media opportunity at Salt Beach in Kingscliff, Australia.
JACK DE BELIN poses during the New South Wales Blues State of Origin media opportunity at Salt Beach in Kingscliff, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Jack de Belin will stay with St George Illawarra if he is able to play in the NRL beyond the end of his sexual assault trial.

The Dragons confirmed on Wednesday that de Belin had reached an in-principle agreement that he would remain with the club beyond the end of this season.

The contract is pending the former NSW State of Origin lock's trial, which is set to begin on November 2.

De Belin will be off contract at the end of this year, and was set to attract interest from the Warriors.

However he has decided to remain with the Dragons, with the club having debuted him in 2011 and stuck by him since he was charged in December 2018.

"The Dragons can confirm that de Belin has agreed in principle to re-sign with the Dragons beyond the 2020 season, pending the outcome of his imminent court matter," the club said in a statement.

"The terms of de Belin's contract will remain confidential while the matter remains before the court."

He and his co-accused Callan Sinclair have pleaded not guilty to the aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old inside a Wollongong apartment.

De Belin hasn't played in the NRL since the end of 2018, having been the highest-profile player stood down under the NRL's no-fault policy.

At the time of his charge he was one of the game's premier locks, having been at the centre of the Dragons' early charge up the ladder that year.

Meanwhile the Saints have also moved to hose down speculation Ben Hunt could be shopped out of the club.

The Dragons halfback-turned-hooker only took up an option to stay at the club for an extra season earlier this year, and remains locked in until the end of 2023.

"The Dragons' recruitment committee have never discussed the prospect of releasing the Queensland and Australia representative to another club," the Dragons said.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au