Warriors staying mum on de Belin
If the Warriors are chasing the signature of Jack de Belin, subject to him being acquitted of rape charges, they are remaining tightlipped about it.
The club’s chief executive Cameron George said he had no comment and nothing to add on reports the Warriors would table an offer to the St George-Illawarra forward, from the beginning of the 2021 season if he is acquitted.
De Belin’s rape trial is scheduled for a motion hearing in Wollongong Local Court beginning on Monday which could determine when his case will be heard.
An outcome isn’t expected to be reached in time for the New South Wales representative to be selected for the Dragons’ clash against the Roosters in round seven, although his exile could end in the coming weeks if Monday’s result is favourable, the Sydney Morning Herald reported yesterday.
It also reported the Warriors aren’t prepared to wait for the matter to be finalised in court, saying they have been in talks with de Belin’s management about the terms of a contract which could take effect from next season if he is acquitted.
The offer, which would be voided if a guilty verdict is delivered, is an indication of how keen they are to lure the 29-year-old across the Tasman.
But Stuff understands yesterday’s reports of the club talking about contract terms to de Belin’s management have come as a surprise at Warriors headquarters.
The Tigers are another club keeping an eye on the situation after earmarking de Belin as a potential target.
The Sydney Morning Herald also reported the Warriors are also interested in young Dragons prop Josh Kerr who is baulking at taking up his St George Illawarra option for next season.
The Indigeous All Stars representative has also attracted interest from the Warriors, while the Sharks are also circling.
The developments come as Englishman James Graham’s imminent departure could be just the beginning of a shake up of the Dragons pack.
Kerr has an option in his Red V contract for 2021 in his favour, but won’t be taking it up in its current form given it doesn’t represent his value as a starting prop. While his preference is to stay, Kerr would require a significant upgrade for that to happen.
Graham’s 185-game NRL career is poised to end after the Dragons confirmed they will release him to the English Super League as soon as suitable replacement is signed.
St Helens approached the Red V about the prospect of the 34-year-old finishing his career back at the club where it began and the joint-venture outfit won’t stand in their way.
St Helens are keen for a highprofile replacement after granting Luke Thompson an early release to join Canterbury and Graham fits the bill. Thompson is currently serving a two-week quarantine period in a Melbourne hotel before being available for NRL selection.
Graham is contracted until the end of the year and has been named at lock for the clash against the Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium. However the English international, who chalked up the remarkable 400-topgrade-game milestone across both the Super League and NRL last year, has been under increasing scrutiny during the Dragons’ run of poor performances.
Should Graham, de Belin and Kerr all leave it would represent a huge turnover of forwards for a side that has won just three of its past 15 games.
Issac Luke left for the Broncos this week after just three games under coach Paul McGregor, while Jason Saab again requested a release this week.