Paul McGregor stands by suspended star Jack de Belin
Paul McGregor admits the ongoing Jack de Belin saga has become a distraction, but is vowing to stick by the suspended star saying: “He’s got the assumption of innocence … which he’s not getting at the moment anywhere else”.
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St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor admits the ongoing Jack de Belin saga has become a distraction for his team, but is vowing to stick by the suspended star saying: “He’s got the assumption of innocence … which he’s not getting at the moment anywhere else”.
Only 48 hours after de Belin lost his Federal Court challenge against the NRL’s strict new ‘No Fault Stand Down Policy’ — a move which is estimated to have cost the NSW Origin star $500,000 — his Dragons slumped to their fourth straight loss against Newcastle in Mudgee.
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Speaking after the match, McGregor conceded the contentious issue, which sees his backrower suspended while awaiting court proceedings on an aggravated sexual assault charge, had impacted the team.
However, when asked about potentially removing de Belin from the team training environment, the coach stressed he would be standing behind his embattled star.
“I haven’t really even thought about that but, no, he (de Belin) is part of our club,” McGregor said. “He’s a part of our club and a part of our team.
“He’s got the assumption of innocence until he gets his opportunity in court, which he’s not getting at the moment anywhere else.”
Asked if the ongoing saga had become an issue, McGregor continued: “There’s definitely emotion there for sure.
“Whether that played a role in today’s performance or even in my build up, subconsciously, I’m not sure.
“Certainly Jack is a big part of our lives.
“I hope (his absence) didn’t have an affect on the performance today, some say it may have because Jack is a very well liked person and an important part of our football team.
“But he wasn’t there today and there are 17 players and coaching staff who didn’t do what they needed to do.”
McGregor added that de Belin was “extremely disappointed” by Friday’s decision, while also revealing he had expected the forward to be cleared for the Mudgee match.
“To be totally honest we all expected him to be available today,” he said. “But he wasn’t so we had to move on pretty quickly.
“I spoke to Jack and his next move, I’m not sure on. I can’t comment on that much until we get home, sit down and chat.”
And as for what happens next regarding a replacement for the No.13, who could potentially be suspended for up to 18 months?
“Ian Millward looks after our retention and recruitment, managing the cap,” he said. “And he’s been working hard at it for quite some time, with different alternatives. I didn’t want to talk about anything until next week.
“I just wanted to focus on today and get over the Jack de Belin decision.”
Originally published as Paul McGregor stands by suspended star Jack de Belin
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