Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Parramatta recruit Jack de Belin never thought he’d get the chance to pull on an NRL jersey that didn’t have the Red V emblazoned on it.
“It was a bit of a shock at the start, I’d been in the Dragons colours for 16 years,” he said.
Parramatta Eels recruit Jack de Belin.Credit: Parramatta Eels
“The way it all panned out, I always stated I wanted to be a one-club player.
“I wanted to wear it as a badge of honour, you don’t see too many players play all their football for one club.”
Before his departure for Parramatta, de Belin was St George Illawarra’s most senior player. The former NSW forward made his Dragons debut in 2011 and played all his 252 first-grade appearances for the joint-venture.
It was de Belin’s intention to finish where he started, but the parties couldn’t come to terms, prompting the blue and golds to pounce. When asked if he felt the Dragons wanted to keep him, the 34-year-old was diplomatic.
“That would be up to them. It doesn’t really matter if they did or didn’t,” de Belin, who will pull on the Parramatta kit in a trial against the Roosters on Saturday night in Gosford, said.
“I don’t really want to go into the dynamics of how it unfolded … But I’ve been there for that long, they knew how well my body has [remained in good shape], that I could definitely keep playing. That wasn’t an issue.”
And after a summer of pre-season training, the lock is convinced he made the right decision. The Cootamundra product had never crossed paths with Eels coach Jason Ryles – also a former Dragons forward – until the latter made his pitch.
“I’m super excited. I wouldn’t say it’s a blessing, but a fresh start really reinvigorates you and re-energises you,” de Belin said.
Jack de Belin during his Dragons days.Credit: Getty Images
“It’s not that I wasn’t at the Dragons, I’ve always been self-motivated and taken pride in being fit and available to play. Just different philosophies, different coaching principles, the way they train, has been really exciting. Even though I’m going on 35 in a month, I’m still learning so much and I feel I can keep developing my game … I’d never heard that expression until I came to Parramatta, that ‘a change is as good as a holiday’ … That expression is very true and I can’t overstate how much I’m enjoying my time. It’s been awesome.”
His first home Eels game at CommBank Stadium in round three will also double as the first against his former club. The final regular-season game against the Dragons will mark de Belin’s return to Wollongong.
“It will definitely feel weird because all the people I’ve been playing with, I’ll be playing against,” he said.
“It will definitely be different, wearing colours different to what I’m used to … Hopefully we’re not in a position [in round 27] where our finals contention comes down to that game, hopefully we’ve got it wrapped up by then.
Jack de Belin has been a popular addition to the Parramatta roster.Credit: Parramatta Eels
“It would also be exciting to get back to WIN Stadium, obviously in different colours. It’s a great place to play, it’s probably my favourite stadium.”
It hasn’t taken long for de Belin to win over his Eels teammates.
“He’s been unreal,” said Parramatta captain and halfback Mitchell Moses. “He’s brought a lot of experience. He could play on for however long he wants, he’s that fit.
“He’s been really good for us, we’ve got a really young forwards group coming through at the moment and he’s been a massive help for them. Just the experience that he brings.”
A Papua New Guina international, de Belin’s career was curtailed when he was stood down under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy for three years as he faced sexual assault charges, which were later dropped. He returned to first grade in 2021.
“You have to look at the positives,” he said.
“If I didn’t miss my games and was still playing now, I’d easily be in the 300s [games]. At the same time, I’m going on 35 and the body is still feeling really good.
“In that time off it would have been really easy for me to spiral and turn to alcohol or whatever, just not really looking after myself. It was the opposite.
“I really zoned in on training hard, having that focus that when I returned I was ready to go and be at the highest standard I could.
“I definitely didn’t take that time off for granted, but I could say it freshened me up, not taking those week-in, week-out knocks.”
The veteran forward said his passion for the game never waned.
“It was a bit frustrating that I was stood down when I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said. … “Not for one second did I fall out of love with the game or think I was never going to return.
“It was a lot longer than what I was expecting, but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
As for how long he’ll continue in the NRL – Parramatta has an option on the 2027 season – “JDB” said: “After the pre-season I’ve had at Parra, and how fresh and strong I’m feeling, the end isn’t in sight.
“I’ve definitely got a couple of years left. I’m loving my time at Parra and hoping I can play some more years here.”
