De Belin's plea to Dragons amid contract standoff

Jack de Belin has reiterated his desire to remain a one-club man, despite his future at the Dragons being uncertain for 2025 and beyond.

The off-contract forward, who has been one of St George Illawarra’s best performers this season, has begun to attract interest from rival clubs for next year.

South Sydney were reportedly weighing up a move for the former NSW Blues representativebut have now turned their attention elsewhere, while Super League teams have expressed their desire to lure de Belin overseas to finish his career.

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While speaking to media ahead of the side’s round 17 clash against the Dolphins, de Belin admitted he wanted an answer from the Red V sooner rather than later, but pleaded with club officials to offer him a multi-year deal.

“As of right now, there’s not [an update] and it’s getting to the point now where I’d like to get something finalised and put it behind me,” he said.

“I’ve always said in these contract situations, you try to stay out of it as best as you can and let your football do the talking. I feel like I’ve done that and shown that I’ve got plenty left in the legs and it should hopefully sort itself out.

“It’s nice to know there is some interest and offers overseas, but I still feel like I’ve got plenty to give in the NRL. I don’t really want to have to go over there when I feel like I’ve still got so much to offer and I’m still playing at a high level here.

“I’ve always wanted to be a one-club man and hopefully that can be done and I can finish my career here at the Dragons.”

De Belin has averaged 126 run metres and 30 tackles per game this year for the Dragons under new head coach Shane Flanagan, returning to the level of football that saw him selected for State of Origin in 2018.

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At 33 years of age, the Dragons are cautious about extending de Belin long-term, but the front-rower believes his time spent away from the game – due to two criminal trials for rape, both of which resulted in a hung jury, following allegations from late 2018 -could actually prolong his career.

“I’d like to think so, for sure,” he said.

“In that time I did have off, I looked after myself and I was really big on recovery and longevity. I didn’t take the knocks for almost three years there, so it’s something that I’d like to hope I can put on the back-end [of my career].

“You’re seeing a lot more players playing into their mid-30s. Look at Ben Hunt and Daly Cherry-Evans, they are mid-30s and killing it still, so there’s plenty of hope for me.”

De Belin has been named to start at prop against the Dolphins this weekend as they look to remain in touch with the top-eight and finals picture.