Jack de Belin to join Eels in 2026

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-star-jack-de-belin-set-to-join-parramatta-eels/news-story/138ea36cc566062c95733ecce0d706f3

Summary:

Jack de Belin, the Dragons' longest-serving current player, is set to leave the club at the end of the 2025 season to join the Parramatta Eels. The 34-year-old has agreed to a deal for 2026, with Parramatta holding an option for 2027. The contract is currently in the NRL’s 10-day cooling-off period.

De Belin, who has played 242 games, was close to becoming the most-capped Dragon in history. Despite being in talks for another contract extension, he will now reunite with former teammate Zac Lomax at the Eels. A mid-season switch before June 30 is unlikely due to the Dragons’ lack of forward depth.

A consistent performer, De Belin played every game last season and has not missed one this year. He is the last Dragons player remaining from the Wayne Bennett era.

His departure comes amid a broader roster overhaul at the Dragons. Tyrell Sloan, Blake Lawrie, and Mikaele Ravalawa may also leave, while several forwards, including David Klemmer and Michael Molo, are off-contract.

"Probably believed he was worth more is more likely right. However that is on him. He could have went to Parramatta and said "Hey, since i have signed with you i have played Origin 2 years in a row and toured for Australia, could we look into an…"

"We did the opposite of restrain his trade, we encouraged and facilitated his trade. However, this is not about winning or losing of Lomax plays NRL again in the next 3 seasons. This is about us receiving something in return for his services. Under…"

"Lol Lomax cried to the NRL, Melbourne did also. Never been told no in a long time. Gallop did once and got abused by many in the game for doing the right thing. "

Replies

LB June 25, 2025 at 4:11pm

I mean his age is a worry but 2 years out with that court battle sort of helped prolong his career. He is very durable at the moment. So I guess we have to do with what has happened.
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > LB June 25, 2025 at 4:12pm
  
  Its 1 year. The club holds the option if they want to re sign him
Eel17 June 25, 2025 at 4:12pm

Interesting, definitely need some more punch in our front row/ middle. Having de Belin, Paulo, Moretti and Tuivaiti rotate in 26 is a good start. Hopefully he doesn't have a good game for them on Saturday.
- RB > Eel17 June 25, 2025 at 4:53pm
  
  I smell a Paulo retirement
EA June 25, 2025 at 4:12pm
We were also looking to extend Joash Papalii already.

I am happy with the signing. In 13 games this year.
- Missed 17 tackles and made 443.
- 2 errors
- 5 penalties and 0 six agains.
Compare that with a lot of our current forwards and thats very good. A player that can play big minutes and very reliable. Strong defence to help tidy up our ruck too. Could honestly start him too. Second year is a club option which puts Eels in the control of the situation which is something we have lacked in years. Can move him on if he becomes useless or does not meet standards. But I recon he will be a great signing.
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > EA June 25, 2025 at 4:14pm
  
  That's great news. Where did u hear this
  - EA > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 June 25, 2025 at 4:18pm
    
    Its in the artice.
- steveeel > EA June 25, 2025 at 4:52pm
  
  That's some pretty good stats for a player in the middle.
- Clintorian > EA June 25, 2025 at 7:49pm
  
  I've watched a couple of their games and he is a standout in defence and metres, so I think we're bringing him in as a bench forward, not a Paulo replacement. I still hope we're going for a prop.
  
  On a side note, I'm going to have to eat so much shit my my Dragons supporters mates, I've been hammering them about this bloke for years.
Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst June 25, 2025 at 4:13pm

FMD wtf is going on.