Jack de Belin asserts that he can still compete in the NRL for at least another year, joining over 60 players with uncertain futures in the league. After signing a one-year deal with Parramatta at the close of the last season, de Belin learned in June the Eels would not exercise a club option for 2027. This has left the 35-year-old in search of a new contract, making the English Super League a less likely choice due to his young family.
"I get it, it is pretty daunting when you're looking at someone who's 35 years old," de Belin told AAP. "But the way I look at it, I've always looked after myself and I essentially had three years out of my career, so I'm still a very young 35-year-old." He acknowledged, "I am a realist. I understand I'm not the representative State of Origin player that I once was, but I still know what I can do and what I'm not capable of." He added, "And I definitely feel I've got plenty to offer still, which is the challenging part knowing I haven't really had a chance to really put it out on the field."
De Belin noted that limited playing time this season at the Eels has prevented him from displaying his best performance, as he usually plays around 65 minutes at St George Illawarra. However, he sees a silver lining in this situation, feeling physically fresh. "It's like a double-bladed knife. You could say that it's really positive in one sense I haven't played minutes (so) I feel fresh," de Belin said. "But at the same time, I haven't really been on the field to show what I'm about." He remarked that he performs best when given greater playing time, while remaining ready to contribute in shorter bursts.
De Belin is among several players without contracts for the upcoming year, including former Dragons and NSW Origin teammate Tyson Frizell at Newcastle. Sam Verrils, a previous premiership-winning hooker, is also seeking a new opportunity after being told by Gold Coast that he would not receive a new contract. Canterbury has the most players with uncertain futures, as nearly a third of their 30-man roster lacks agreements for the 2027 season. Bulldogs utility Kurt Mann has drawn interest from Wests Tigers, while Canterbury added Penrith duo Freddy Lussick and Jesse McLean for next year. Additionally, Hayze Perham secured a new one-year deal with Brisbane on Monday, and AAP reports that prop Jack Hetherington has also signed a one-year extension with Melbourne.