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.
Replies
The JDB signing though older very much sounds like another Dragons guy we bought back in the day to solidify a weak area.Beau Scott anybody feels very similar to me to bring is a certain mind/skill set to strengthen the above mentioned.
I was going to say that but thought I would cop it so I did not go that far lol.
He would be good for 1 year, there's not much on the market atm in forwards either. Gives us time to hit the market end of next year when there's more forwards available.
but he's defence has been very strong this year at 96% tackling. Exactly what we need.
I wonder why he's leaving the dragons, seems a little odd to me
The day before this signing i was thinking the eels should sign de belin, the experience isn't needed and he still goes decent enough. Then I looked at his age and whilst it didn't change my mind it did make me 2nd guess. Overall I'm happy with the deal, I think if you put him in this team we are better and that's what you are looking to be, better.
Dragons now shifting to Luke garner, seems like Ryles is fairly happy with the work of our edges and Williams can also shift to the edge with JDB in the fold. Basically he's chosen a middle over the edge/utility
It's a lifting the floor type of signing.
They need to get a 6 over the line shortly.I hope they still have there eyes on Sandon Smith he'd be the #1 replacement for DB available unless they intend on hijacking a 6 already signed somewhere agitating for a release we don't know about.
Tinfoil hat theory, it is a long shot but here me out haha. I know I might get some slack put on me but oh well nothing new.
There were rumours of Junior Paulo retiring a month and a bit back. Is De Belin replacing Paulo as that leader in the forwards til Tuivaiti and Talagi are ready?
I doubt Paulo gives up $900k in 2026 but if the rumours are true, this could counter it with getting a leader in the pack for meantime.
Just having fun theorizing don't be too harsh on me
I can't see Paulo retiring with his current form as good as its been for years.
I'd be disappointed if Jnr decided to hang it up as he's playing some decent football at the moment.
If so JDB isn't a good replacement imo for what Jnr brings infact I think our fowards take a big step back without Paulo.
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