3 minute read

Experienced prop Jack de Belin has opted to stay at St George Illawarra for another year, rejecting interest from rivals in Australia and overseas.

Jack de Belin will remain at St George Illawarra in 2025, after knocking back the chance of long-term security overseas to sign a one-year deal with the Dragons.

The decision to remain in Wollongong has ended a long-running stand-off over the prop's future.

The 33-year-old had been keen to secure a longer contract to take him to the end of his career, but the club had made clear their preference was a 12-month deal.

De Belin had attracted interest from NRL rivals - but they also were only willing to offer him one season at a time - while multiple clubs in England had tabled longer-term offers.

"He's agreed to terms, which is great for Jack and the club," Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said. 

"It's taken a bit of time, but we were pretty confident we were always going to get there.

"It's a really good thing for Jack. He stays at the club, and it's another really experienced player for us. So it's great."

De Belin last week told AAP time was ticking down on his contract decision, with a move to England weighing on his mind.

There had been speculation he might sign with his first coach Wayne Bennett at South Sydney, but the Rabbitohs' cap position remains contingent on the future of Lachlan Ilias.

"It's nice to know there are options over there (in England)," de Belin told AAP last week of his looming decision.

"I could go overseas. Maybe if I didn't think I was up to the speed of the NRL any more, or if I didn't have it in me, I could definitely go over there. 

"But while I'm still playing at a higher level, a big part of me wants to stay here in the NRL. I don't think I'm in a position to go yet."

De Belin's decision comes ahead of the Dragons' crunch clash with the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

"We don't want to just stay in touch with the eight. We want to stay in the eight and cement our spot in there," Flanagan said.