Former St George Illawarra Dragons stalwart Jack De Belin has opened up about his painful exit from the club, describing his departure as one of the most disrespectful experiences of his career. Speaking candidly on a podcast with Steve Gillis, De Belin revealed that he never wanted to leave the Dragons — the club he had served with pride and loyalty for 15 years — but was told he would not be offered a new contract by coach Shane Flanagan.
De Belin, who has now signed with the Parramatta Eels for the 2026 season (with an option for 2027 in the club’s favour), did not hold back as he reflected on how things ended with his boyhood team.
“I always thought I was going to be a one-club player,” De Belin admitted. “I can completely understand — it’s a business at the end of the day. For example, if I was a cancer in the locker room, or if I wasn’t performing, or if I was on massive money, I would understand. But at the end of the day, I only wanted one year, and I wasn’t asking for much money. I feel like there was massive disrespect there and a huge slap in the face, especially after I gave 15 years to the club.”
The 33-year-old forward’s emotional comments have struck a chord with fans, many of whom expressed sympathy for his situation. Known for his toughness, leadership, and consistency, De Belin had long been a cornerstone of the Dragons’ forward pack. His exit has raised questions about the club’s handling of veteran players amid their ongoing rebuild under Flanagan.
Insiders suggest the decision was purely strategic, with the club keen to refresh its roster and invest in youth. However, for De Belin, the manner of the decision — and the lack of communication — appears to have left deep emotional scars.
The move to Parramatta marks a new chapter for the veteran, who is determined to prove he still has plenty to offer at the NRL level.
“I’m just excited for a fresh start,” he said. “I’ve still got the hunger, I’ve still got the drive, and I want to give my best for Parramatta. I’ll always have love for the Dragons, but the way it ended… that’s something that’ll stick with me for a while.”
De Belin’s revelation adds yet another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding player-club loyalty in modern rugby league — a reminder that even the most loyal servants can find themselves on the wrong side of tough business decisions.
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