NRL Origin star de Belin in court to face rape charge

NSW State of Origin player Jack de Belin has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman in company with his friend.

The 27-year-old (pictured) was charged with aggravated sexual assault after the alleged attack on a 19-year-old woman in a Wollongong unit in the early hours of December 9.

Police allege he had sexual intercourse with the woman without her consent, in circumstances of aggravation, and in the company of his friend Callan Sinclair. De Belin entered his not guilty plea at Wollongong Local Court yesadded terday before the matter was adjourned to April 17.

The St George Illawarra Dragons lock successfully had his bail varied so he doesn’t need to report to police every Monday and Friday.

Magistrate Roger Clisdell an additional condition that de Belin does not enter any international point of departure, aside from travelling on an airport train line.

De Belin has also surrendered his passport.

Police prosecutor Sean Thackray had opposed the bail variation due to the “nature and seriousness of the offence” and the custodial sentence it carries. Mr Clisdell said there appeared to be “a reasonably strong case” against de Belin.

The Dragons noted de Belin was able “to fulfil his training and playing commitments”.