Jack de Belin opens up about being back in the NRL and his future plans for State of Origin
Three games into his comeback, Jack de Belin has opened up about returning to the NRL and his future plans for State of Origin.
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Jack de Belin has broken his silence, declaring he would love to play Origin again as he continues to make his return to the NRL.
De Belin has featured in the past three games for St George Illawarra after being sidelined since 2018 as he faced a rape trial.
He had sexual assault charges dropped after two separate trials failed to reach a verdict.
He started at lock in the Dragons last-start win against the Raiders.
Despite spending so long out of the game, de Belin wants to return to the Origin arena as early as this year.
“I would love to be playing Origin (this year) but that’s a little wishful thinking,” he said on the Dragons website.
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“I’ll put that over to next year. For the Dragons, it’s back to the finals and have a deep run.”
De Belin was rushed back to the NRL after playing just one reserve grade fixture.
Coach Anthony Griffin needed little convincing to bring the 30-year-old back into the fold.
“It’s great to be back playing football again,” de Belin said.
“Football is such a massive part of my life. To not be able to play for close to three years was challenging at times. It’s good to be more out there.
“(There are) a lot of new faces and lot ex-Broncos here now. Especially players I used to play against, to have them on my side, it’s great.”
Much has changed in the NRL since de Belin last featured. But he said the amendments had benefited his style of play.
“The first week it threw me out but I feel like every week I’m getting better,” de Belin said.
“It suits my game. I’m really excited to see where it takes me.”
Originally published as Jack de Belin opens up about being back in the NRL and his future plans for State of Origin
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