Jack de Belin, a prominent player for the Dragons, is set to conclude his career with a new club, signing a two-year contract with the Parramatta Eels. The 34-year-old forward, who has not secured a spot for the upcoming season, informed St George Illawarra of his decision to leave on Wednesday. De Belin, the Dragons’ most seasoned player, was on track to become their most capped member had he stayed for another year.
The former NSW Blues lock will officially join the Eels for the 2026 season, with an option to extend for an additional year beyond that. This recruitment marks a significant move for head coach Jason Ryles, who has been eager to bolster his squad following the departures of key players, Clint Gutherson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, over the offseason.
The formal announcement regarding de Belin’s transfer will occur after a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period. This season, he has been a key contributor for the Dragons, participating in all 13 matches and averaging impressive statistics, including 110 run metres and 34 tackles per game.
Despite approaching the twilight of his career, de Belin has claimed that he is in better physical condition than many of his peers, a surprising statement given his past challenges, including a lengthy absence from the game due to the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy. His move to the Eels comes after various reports mentioned interest from rival clubs, including the Rabbitohs, before he extended his contract last year.
Overall, de Belin’s transition to the Eels represents an exciting opportunity for both the player and the club as he aims to finish his career on a high note.