Jack de Belin hungry to prove himself at Parramatta
Annabelle Banfield |
Even at 35 years old, Jack de Belin is still eager to refine his game in a desperate bid to get more minutes after a disappointing start to life at Parramatta.
Since joining the Eels this year, de Belin has managed just five NRL appearances, averaging 54 run metres, and has been dropped for two NSW Cup games.
Despite coming to the club with over 250 games of NRL experience, the lock says he has been relying on the advice of coach Jason Ryles as he navigates a tough transition to life at Parramatta.
“It’s more when you get sent back to reserve grade, it’s more just working on the little things like my movements and repeat efforts,” de Belin said.
“It’s something that I suppose I hadn’t had to do, and coming to a new club it definitely was an adjustment phase and getting used to the different style of play and what’s expected of me.
“It was unfortunate and disappointing, personally, that it’s taken this long, but I definitely feel like it’s starting to kick now and my best football is definitely ahead.”
Yet despite a difficult start to life in blue and gold, the veteran forward is loving the atmosphere at the club.
“It probably hasn’t been an ideal start,” de Belin said.
“In and out of first grade, and there’s definitely been a bit of an adjustment period and whatnot, but the whole time I’ve been here I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s been refreshing.”
The 35-year-old will need to finish the year strong and prove he still has plenty to give for Parramatta to activate the second year on his deal for 2027.
And although de Belin and the 15th-placed Eels are finding results hard to come by at the minute, it pales in comparison to the situation at his former club St George Illawarra.
The Dragons recently sacked their coach Shane Flanagan and remain winless since August last year.
“I definitely do feel for all the boys down there, because I have strong relationships with not just players, but a lot of staff and people that run the club there,” de Belin said of the club where he played 252 NRL games.
“There’s tough times and there’s good times, and unfortunately they’re going through a bit of a rough period, but I’m sure there’s brighter pastures ahead.
“To be honest, I’m not there right now, so it doesn’t really concern me in regards to how they’re going. I’m just purely focused on Parramatta and how we’re going here, and there’s plenty of improving for us to do.”
AAP