Jack de Belin’s parents and sister have lashed out at the police who investigated the Dragons star’s case.
While they can’t get back the three years they say were “taken” from them and de Belin while the case was investigated and before the courts, they are pleased action is now being taken against one of the investigating officers, Shawn Adams, who has been charged with perjury for evidence he gave during de Belin’s sexual assault trial in Wollongong District Court in February 2020.
The parents of Callan Sinclair, de Belin’s co-accused, have also expressed their outrage at the conduct of the investigation after Adams was charged with giving false evidence under oath. The charge was a result of an investigation that started in 2021. Adams is no longer in the police force.
The Director of Public Prosecutions opted in 2021 not to pursue a third trial for de Belin and Sinclair after two previous attempts to convict them resulted in a hung jury. The decision allowed Dragons forward de Belin to return to the game after being suspended for two years under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down rule.
Adams is scheduled to appear before Wollongong Local Court on June 19. Investigations into the conduct of officers involved in the court case continue.
In 2021, de Belin and Sinclair were found not guilty on one count of sexual intercourse without consent, but the jury of eight men and four women could not reach a unanimous or majority verdict on the remaining charges.
Jack de Belin on the charge for the Dragons.Credit: Getty Images
In two separate emails to this column, the parents of de Belin and Sinclair expressed anger at the police and the media.
“We feel like this is a step in the right direction for the complete vindication of Jack,” wrote Cathy, David and sister Erica de Belin. “We are now hopeful that those responsible are finally being held accountable ... and will continue to be held accountable.”
Sinclair’s parents, Terry and Gai, wrote: “Our family welcomes the news that former senior detective Shawn Adams has been charged with perjury. We feel relieved that some of what we have carried with us for several years has now come to light in the public domain. It is our hope that the charges against the former officer will proceed to trial and the accused will face the full force of the justice system.”
The de Belin family is still dealing with the personal toll of the case.
“We are of course disappointed and upset about the three years that were taken from Jack and our family throughout the process,” they wrote. “It was an incredibly upsetting and stressful time for us, but we are a very close family and we got through it together. We are so proud of Jack. He has a beautiful wife and children, for which he is incredibly grateful.
“Our family remains as close as ever, as does the support network of our extended family, friends and community.
“There must now be consequences and repercussions for their actions. We as parents will continue to advocate for our children, and their right for justice.”
Sinclair’s parents wrote of the effect the case had on their family.
“The impact of this false accusation made against Callan has taken a huge toll on all of our family, friends and extended community,” they wrote.
“Emotionally, physically and financially it has been enormous and continues to dominate our lives. Our family is extremely strong and connected, and we will continue to support our son and each other as we strive to move forward and reclaim our lives.
“Both Callan and Jack have always carried themselves with honesty and dignity throughout this terrible ordeal. To withstand such an untrue and horrible accusation, the incredible intrusion and intense vilification by the media, the uninformed presumption of guilt by many, and the obvious strain and toll on both families, has been a huge burden for them to carry.
“We are incredibly proud of Callan’s courage and resilience, particularly given his young age [23 at the time]. It has given us all much strength to draw from.
“It is now time for Mr Adams to respect the system of law he once took an oath to uphold and give a full, truthful and transparent account.”
Rampage fallout
It is perfectly understandable that the Rebel store in Bondi Junction has stopped selling Kangaroos rugby league jumpers after the tragic deaths of six people in the Westfield complex where the shop is located. The killer wore an Australian jersey during his terrifying rampage.
None of this was missed by those who run the game. It has put the code in an unenviable position. The overriding thought at headquarters is the only thing that matters is the victims, their families and anyone else affected by the events of that Saturday afternoon.
Scrapping that jersey will look like the game was somehow making the tragedy about a sport.
It is a delicate situation, and even if there are denials, be assured there have been discussions about the jumper. But you are unlikely to hear anything officially on the matter in the immediate future.
There are some people who would like to move on from that Kangaroos jersey.
In reality, the NRL and the ARL Commission would never do anything to disrespect the memory of those who lost their lives. Nevertheless, there are people in the game who think the jumper should be rested for a time.
Wayne’s done deal
Wayne Bennett is telling people of importance in the game he is heading to South Sydney. He recently addressed his playing group and laid it on the line in his own matter-of-fact way, saying: “I’m unemployed next year and I want the job”.
He’s also told others in rugby league land that he’s a Rabbitoh in waiting.
The joy of six
What did Josh Schuster do on his recent trip to the Gold Coast? Many thought he was heading there to meet the Titans and their coach, Des Hasler, who was Schuster’s former coach at Manly.
I have been told by sources with knowledge of the situation, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation, there was no meeting between the Titans and Schuster. However, he did catch up with his old Manly teammate Kieran Foran.
In late April, the Sea Eagles released Schuster from the final three years of his contract and he is on the hunt for a new club.
Josh Schuster is looking for a new club.Credit: NRL Photos
Schuster is training his backside off to become a five-eighth again. That’s the position he is determined to play and he knows he needs to be in shape to get to that place. He was moved to the back row for much of his time at Manly.
Schuster’s agent, Mario Tartak, said they are putting aside any offers from NRL clubs for now as the player works on his physical and mental health.
What happened in Vegas: Poll paints a bright future for next US trip
The NRL is not resting on the success of its Las Vegas adventure as it strives to make year two even better.
A portion of those at the Las Vegas matches – 1500 people from the crowd of 40,000 – were surveyed about their experience at Allegiant Stadium for matches that featured the Broncos, Sea Eagles, Roosters and Rabbitohs. Almost half said they would return for year two, and that figure was even higher if the respondent’s club was involved.
Here are some of the findings:
- The majority of those surveyed (76 per cent) were aged between 35and 64;
- 86 per cent lived in either Australia or the US, and 27 per cent were US natives;
- 22 per cent were Broncos fans, 18 per cent followed Souths, 12 per cent the Roosters and 11 per cent Manly;
- 88 per cent travelled to Las Vegas for the games;
- 52 per cent travelled from Australia, 32 per cent from other parts of the US, 7 per cent from the UK, 5 per cent from Canada and 2 per cent from New Zealand;
- 31 per cent had never attended an NRL match before;
- Asked “what was the most important factor in your decision to attend”, 27 per cent said to support their team, 8 per cent as part of a visit to Las Vegas, 6 per cent for an outing with friends and 5 per cent for an outing with family;
- On a scale of one to five (one being extremely poor, five being extremely good), 77 per cent of people rated the overall experience a five;
- 49 per cent of respondents said they would be returning for the 2025 Las Vegas matches (an additional 30 per cent said they would return if their club was playing).
The Dane barrier
Dane Gagai showed what a class act he is during his recent conversations with Roosters coach Trent Robinson. Gagai met Robinson at his Bronte home a fortnight ago and left convinced a spot at the famous club awaited.
However, Gagai insisted he would not negotiate with the Roosters until he was certain the move to Sydney was the right fit for his wife, Kelly, and their three young kids.
Importantly, Gagai and the Roosters never spoke about money, nor were any discussions leaked to the media. And when Gagai decided on Wednesday to remain in Newcastle, he called Robinson to break the news himself. That’s a refreshing approach.
Dolphin watching
Here is an odd one. Jake Averillo’s name keeps being mentioned at clubs other than the Dolphins, where he has a long-term contract. Averillo was a big signing for the club and it makes little sense he could be on the move. But the rumour mill has the centre linked to the Dragons, who are looking to replace Parramatta-bound Zac Lomax. It may just be a whisper, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
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