De Belin pleads not guilty

RUGBY LEAGUE: St George Illawarra star Jack de Belin will be able to continue training with his teammates and start the NRL season despite having sexual assault charges hanging over his head after pleading not guilty yesterday.

The 27-year-old NSW State of Origin forward (pictured) appeared in Wollongong Local Court and entered his plea before the matter was adjourned to April 17.

He has been charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a Wollongong unit early on December 9. Police allege he had sexual intercourse with the woman without her consent, in the company of his friend Callan Sinclair.

While the NRL has touted a tougher line on off-field player misbehaviour after a series of ugly off-season incidents, a spokesman indicated it wouldn’t change policy to stand de Belin down until the case was decided.

The NRL believes it must let the court case run its course and afford the presumption of innocence.

“The matter is before the courts and the player has pleaded not guilty,” the spokesman said.

De Belin will be available for the Dragons’ first trial match against Newcastle at WIN Stadium next weekend, but is more likely to have his first hitout of the season in the Charity Shield clash with South Sydney in Mudgee the following week.

De Belin successfully had his bail conditions varied so he could fulfil his training and playing obligations.

He has also been forced to surrender his passport but the Dragons do not having any games scheduled outside Australia in 2019.

Sinclair, 21, has indicated he will be pleading not guilty to the same charge as de Belin.

The sexual assault offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years behind bars.