By Adrian Proszenko and Adam Pengilly
South Sydney have emerged as a potential destination for off-contract St George Illawarra forward Jack de Belin.
The Dragons have offered de Belin, whose deal runs out at the end of the season, a one-year extension. The 33-year-old’s preference is to finish his career as a one-club player, but he is open to longer, more lucrative offers elsewhere.
One could come from the Rabbitohs, who have a genuine interest in adding de Belin to their pack next season. Incoming coach Wayne Bennett handed de Belin his NRL debut in 2011 and the parties are open to the prospect of a reunion.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has a history of offering senior players one-year deals, as he did with ageing stars Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis at Cronulla. It’s unlikely that stance will change with de Belin, despite the back-rower this season producing his best form since returning from a long-term stand-down.
The Rabbitohs are keen on de Belin, but would need to offload players to free up the required salary cap space. Injured playmaker Lachlan Ilias, deemed surplus to requirements following the signing of St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd, has been given permission to negotiate with other clubs. Several teammates will be given the right to do likewise as the club attempts to refresh its roster before Bennett’s arrival.
The Pride of the League has identified a need to bolster its pack, and de Belin may not be the only new arrival. Bennett also has a strong bond with Tevita Pangai jnr, and this week offered him a lifeline with the Dolphins for the remainder of the season.
Jack de Belin is a man in demand.Credit: Getty Images
Pangai walked away from a $750,000-a-year contract with Canterbury last season to take up boxing, insisting there would be no return to the 13-man game. However, he reconsidered after being sensationally knocked out by the unknown Kenny Niko in just 69 seconds last month.
After returning to league this year with Queensland Cup side Souths Logan Magpies, Pangai will try to re-establish himself in the game where he made his name. Should he do so, following Bennett to Souths would be a viable option.
One Dolphins star who won’t be doing so is Jeremy Marshall-King: the hooker re-signed with the Redcliffe-based club until the end of 2028, ending speculation linking him to Heffron Park.
The Red V recently re-signed fullback Tyrell Sloan on a two-year deal, but have plenty of room in their salary cap to be aggressive in the market. They may need to look at other forward options if they don’t improve their offer to de Belin.
The former Blues forward suffered an ankle injury and was spotted in a moon boot after Friday’s win against Wests Tigers. Scans will determine whether he is fit for next weekend’s clash against Manly.
The Dragons are circling should Angus Crichton not come to terms with the Roosters on a contract extension. Crichton is seeking a two-year deal on financial terms similar to those offered to David Fifita, who ultimately opted to remain at the Titans.
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