De Belin Re-Signs With Dragons

The St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday announced that Jack de Belin has agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension that will see him remain at the Club until at least the end of 2017.

De Belin, 22, made his debut for the Dragons during the 2011 campaign against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and has played 42 first-grade games to date.

The Cootamundra Bulldogs junior, who played 20 first-grade games last season, was named both the National Youth Competition ‘Player of the Year’ and selected to the Junior Kangaroos team in 2011.

“The Dragons are a great club that have provided me the opportunity to break into first-grade and help establish myself as a player,” said de Belin.

“I am happy being here and I am excited to continue being able to play football alongside some of my best friends.

“I know this is the best place to continue my development and looking into the future I would someday like to become one of the leaders here at the Club.”

Dragons CEO Peter Doust has welcomed the news of de Belin’s decision to remain at the Club for at least the next four seasons.

“Jack is a player that we identified a number of years ago who has developed into a regular NRL player and we are very pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that will see him remain at the Club for at least another three seasons beyond this year," said Doust.

"Jack shows great dedication and commitment to everything he does at our Club and his contributions both on and off the field are extremely positive and make him a key signing and major contributor to the future of our Club."

Additionally, the Dragons have confirmed the signing of Willie Mataka to a one-year contract that will see him remain at the Club until at least the end of the season.

Mataka, 25, who can play in the centre or second-row, debuted for Wests Tigers during the 2009 campaign and has additionally played for the Sydney Roosters (2011), Parramatta Eels (2012) and most recently the Illawarra Cutters (2013).