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
I think what it might mean is that a couple of our younger forwards might be leaving. I'm thinking the likes of Brock Parker, Greig obviously not gonna be renewed, maybe even Pryke (eventhough I still like him), so another mobile middle is needed and they wanted a stop gap there, as they don't like the likes of Kalache from Ron Massey, understandably.
I've relaxed about it now. 1 year deal only, and I doubt he'd be in the 17 every week. Still would've preferred if not.
Of course he'll b in the 17 u goose
You think?
Paulo, Smith, Williams, Tuilagi, Kautoga, Hopgood
Bench: Walker, Tuivati, Moretti, 17
But the 17 could be him, could be Samrani, could be Joash. Not sure that certain. Even Doorey or Mataele would compete. Latu. No?
Yes I do, why would they buy him to play reserves?
Those young forwards are ones chosen/judged to not make it...who would you want on in a tight game, any of that lot or De Bellin. If he is fit I would say he will be in the 17, you cannot beat experience if the body is willing.....right girls?
If you watched the games he plays in, he is amongst St Georges 3 best forwards every week. In a conversation with another IEE member yesterday (someone that actually knows his football) I asked him is De Bellin in the Dragons team, which he confirmed he was and I said, he is the only Dragon's forward who I rate, we then discussed his age (I was surprised he was 34....doesn't look or play like it) and my friend said he would be a great buy for Parra.
Completely a coincidence, because neither of us knew about his signing.
Side note....my friend was still playing Rugby at 64.
Look I am not like outraged or anything. We also knew there are no forwards on the market for next year. He's probably the best available which is why I would have preferred us just sticking to our youngsters.
But if some are leaving and Ryles thinks de belin is a good stop gap, sure. Like yeah the meltdown here and online over his signing is not warranted, but I would've rathered not adding more players with little future.
You need to understand that every team /business/endeavour has a balance, you will be amazed how many of these young players will not make it and the clogging they will cause to the arteries. De Bellin will be gone in 12 months and that 350/400 on the cap will come free for one of the next group of youngsters coming through.
This enables the planning of your squad and actually is quiet smart. The one thing you can never get right though is one's you keep and the one's you let go, who are going to bite you on the bum?
We may have a new set of forwards coming through behind the current crop, you can only keep so many, in this case you know this one is gone after 12 months (? option club).....can you see the flexibility the experience adds in such a situation......the best forward we have seen here was an old man Beau Scott, He would have been well into his 30's, Dyllan Walker is 31.......even Hopwood, future captain and sign him forever is looking shaky at present. Personally I love Hopwood but you can't deny that back injury may have got the better of him.
Yeah all fair. Well argued.
What your saying makes sense Pops, you've convinced me.
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