Jack de Belin’s hopes of immediate return for Dragons dashed

As Jack de Belin returns to court to challenge the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy, it has emerged that the NSW Origin forward won’t be able to run out for St George Illawarra this weekend.

Jack de Belin leaves the NSW Federal Court in Sydney, Monday, April 15, 2019. Jack de Belin is challenging the NRL's no-fault stand down policy after he was charged with sexual assault in December. (AAP Image/Peter Rae) NO ARCHIVING

Jack de Belin is ineligible to be named this afternoon to return this weekend for St George Illawarra as he prepares to confront a highly intense second day in the Federal Court.

De Belin is currently challenging the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy before the courts after he was stood down over aggravated sexual assault charges.

In what promises to be an emotional courtroom, NRL CEO Todd Greenberg is expected to take the witness box today directly opposite de Belin to defend the NRL’s controversial policy.

However, any hope of de Belin returning against Manly on Saturday night in Wollongong appears forlorn.

Jack de Belin leaves the NSW Federal Court in Sydney on Monday. Picture: Toby Zerna

The Daily Telegraph has learned the Dragons won’t name de Belin with the club prepared to continue to adhere to the policy.

De Belin’s case won’t be resolved before the Dragons team to face the Sea Eagles is named at 4pm today, which leaves the club no alternative than to leave him out of the squad.

Under the rules of the policy, a player can only be named once the stand-down rule which applies to him is lifted.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor said on Sunday that he would “absolutely” pick de Belin if he was successful in his challenge in the Federal Court this week.

However, it’s possible a final resolution from the de Belin case could go beyond this week.

Originally published as Jack de Belin’s hopes of immediate return for Dragons dashed