De Belin will join the Eels on a two year deal.
The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce the signing of experienced forward Jack de Belin for the 2026 NRL season, with an option in the Club’s favour for 2027.
Eels Head Coach Jason Ryles anticipates de Belin will be a valuable addition, bringing crucial experience to a developing roster. “Jack has played over 240 NRL games since his debut in 2011, and his representative career speaks volumes about his calibre,” Ryles stated. “He’ll be a significant asset to our forward pack.”
De Belin’s impressive career includes representing New South Wales in the State of Origin and six appearances for Papua New Guinea, where he played a pivotal role in their victory in the inaugural Pacific Bowl Final.
Dragons CEO Tim Watsford acknowledged de Belin’s long-standing dedication to the club. “Jack has been an outstanding servant of the club over the past 15 years,” said Watsford. “These decisions are never easy, but as a club, we need to balance the needs of the playing roster over both the short and long term. With a host of promising young forwards now emerging into genuine first-graders, we felt this was the best outcome for the club moving forward.”
While de Belin won’t finish his career as a one-club player, Watsford emphasized the mutual loyalty shown over his tenure.
“He has been an outstanding player over a decade-and-a-half in the Red V, and we wish him nothing but the very best for the next chapter of his career.”
De Belin expressed gratitude for his time at the Dragons. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time at the club and have made some wonderful friends and memories,” he said. “I’m also grateful for the way the fans have always supported me since the day I arrived here as a teenager. My focus now is finishing the season off on a good note.”
De Belin made his first-grade debut for St George Illawarra on June 27, 2011, and quickly established himself as a regular in the lineup from 2014 onwards. He consistently made over 20 appearances a season for the Dragons throughout the mid-2010s, showcasing his durability and consistency.
His representative honours began in 2016, chosen for New South Wales Country in the annual City vs Country game. The following year, he was named in an extended New South Wales side for State of Origin. A career highlight came in the 2018 State of Origin series, where de Belin played in all three games and was a key contributor to New South Wales’ 2–1 series victory over Queensland.
De Belin has continued to be a mainstay for the Dragons in recent seasons, playing 11 games in 2021, 24 in 2022, and 16 in 2023, where he marked his 200th first-grade appearance. In 2024, he played 24 games, demonstrating his ongoing impact and reliability on the field. His current contract with St. George Illawarra runs until the end of the 2025 season, with the second year being in the Club’s favour.
The move to Parramatta for 2026 marks a significant new chapter for the veteran forward. De Belin will end his Dragons career as the 5th highest appearance maker in Club history, only trailing leader Ben Hornby by less than 40 appearances.
– Tully Potts
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