Jack de Belin ruled out of St George Illawarra’s trial match against Newcastle

Dragons forward Jack de Belin will not play in St George Illawarra’s opening trial against Newcastle after he was ruled out with a virus.

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St George Illawarra has overlooked forward Jack de Belin for a weekend trial match, citing an upper respiratory tract infection for his withdrawal.

There had been speculation de Belin would be named despite facing aggravated sexual assault charges.

The club though announced a 28-man squad on Tuesday night for a trial against Newcastle at Jubilee Oval on Saturday evening with de Belin missing.

The Dragons have not stood de Belin down. AAP Image/Dean Lewins.

A Saints media statement read: “Jack de Belin was sent home from training on Monday by the club medical staff with a virus and has been ruled out of this weekend’s game as a result.”

Dragons coach Paul McGregor offered additional clarity by claiming: “Jack is unlikely to train too much this week after being sent home from training by medical staff on Monday with an upper respiratory tract infection.”

Star forwards James Graham and Tyson Frizell will also sit out the match because of “player workload management”, according to the club.

Should de Belin be allowed to play? Picture by Simon Bullard.

First-string Saints players to play the trial include Gareth Widdop, Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims, Euan Aitken, Matt Dufty, Ben Hunt, Tim Lafai, Cameron McInnes and new buy, Corey Norman.

Despite being suspended until round three, new recruit Korbin Sims has been given a special NRL clearance to play Newcastle along with the annual Charity Shield at Mudgee on March 2.

“It has been a productive 14-week pre-season and the players and coaching staff are really excited that the season is finally before us,” said McGregor.

“Season 2019 is the beginning of something better for the Dragons and we are approaching the coming season in good shape.

“We have a squad of 28 for Saturday, all of whom will get an opportunity to play.”

Full Dragons squad: Euan Aitken, Mitchell Allgood, Matt Dufty, Jai Field, Jackson Ford, Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Zac Lomax, Joe Lovodua, Lachlan Maranta, Steven Marsters, Cameron McInnes, Darren Nicholls, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Reece Robson, Tristan Sailor, Korbin Sims, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Timm, Paul Vaughan, Gareth Widdop

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