Time ticking as NRL veterans fight to extend careers
Scott Bailey |
Jack de Belin insists he is still capable of playing at least another year in the NRL, with the former NSW State of Origin lock one of more than 60 players facing uncertain futures across the league.
After linking with Parramatta on a one-year deal at the end of last season, de Belin was informed by the Eels in June they would not take up a club option for 2027.
That has left the 35-year-old searching for a new deal elsewhere, which has left the English Super League an unlikely option given 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.
“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.
“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 believed he has not been able to play his best football on limited minutes at the Eels this year, having traditionally been a 65-minute player at St George Illawarra.
But the middle forward also insisted there was an upside to that, with his body feeling 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.
“It might look at times I’m tired and that, but I’ve always played my best footy when I’ve been trusted to play bigger minutes.
“At the same time I’ll do a job whatever is called upon me, and if it’s to play shorter minutes and try to be impact, I’ll do it to the best of my abilities.”
De Belin headlines a list of players still uncontracted for next year, with former Dragons and NSW Origin teammate Tyson Frizell in a similar boat at Newcastle.
Former premiership-winning hooker Sam Verrils is another looking for a new home after being informed by Gold Coast he would not have a new contract.
Canterbury have the most players with their futures up in the air, with almost one-third of this year’s 30-man roster still yet to have a contract announced for the 2027 season.
Bulldogs utility Kurt Mann has caught the eye of Wests Tigers, while Canterbury have signed Penrith pair Freddy Lussick and Jesse McLean for next year.
Hayze Perham inked a new one-year deal at Brisbane on Monday, while AAP understands prop Jack Hetherington has signed a one-year extension to stay at Melbourne.
AAP