Terminated Deal: Jack de Belin’s Move to Parramatta Eels in 2026 Falls Through
In a surprising turn of events, the much-discussed deal to bring veteran forward Jack de Belin to the Parramatta Eels in 2026 has officially been terminated. The two-year contract, which was reportedly in its final stages of completion, has now been scrapped following mutual agreement between both parties.
Sources close to the situation suggest that a combination of off-field considerations and a shift in Parramatta’s recruitment strategy contributed to the breakdown of the deal. While neither the Eels nor de Belin’s camp have publicly commented in detail, the decision is believed to have been made amicably, with no legal or contractual disputes involved.
The Initial Agreement
The move was originally touted as a significant boost to the Eels’ forward pack. With de Belin’s experience and physical presence, the 33-year-old was seen as a short-term mentor and enforcer who could help bring leadership to a relatively young and evolving Parramatta squad.
Reports emerged earlier in 2025 that the Eels were seeking experienced forwards to complement their younger core. With de Belin nearing the end of his time at the St George Illawarra Dragons, many believed Parramatta offered the ideal destination for a final NRL stint. The proposed two-year contract would have seen him play through the end of the 2027 season, likely finishing his career in blue and gold.
Why the Deal Fell Apart
Although specifics remain behind closed doors, several factors appear to have contributed to the sudden collapse of the deal.
One source indicated that internal reviews at the Eels led to a change in direction. With the rise of emerging forwards in their junior system and strong performances from current squad members, the coaching and recruitment staff reportedly reconsidered the need for an experienced middle forward in de Belin’s mould.
Additionally, there were concerns about how the signing might be received publicly. De Belin’s career has not been without controversy, and while he was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in his past legal battles, the stigma has lingered. Some stakeholders within the Eels were said to be uneasy about the potential PR impact of the signing, especially as the club works to strengthen its community and family-focused image.
From de Belin’s side, there is speculation that personal factors also played a role. After spending over a decade with the Dragons, the thought of relocating and adjusting to a new club environment late in his career may have prompted a rethink. While still performing at a high level, it’s understood that de Belin is considering whether he wants to continue playing beyond 2025 at all.
What’s Next for Both Parties?
For Parramatta, the termination of the deal leaves them with salary cap space and flexibility heading into the 2026 season. It also reinforces their apparent commitment to youth development, as the club continues to back rising talents like Luca Moretti and J’maine Hopgood to take on larger roles.
Club insiders have hinted that the Eels may now focus on younger, long-term signings rather than short-term veteran additions. With several contracts expiring at the end of 2025, the next off-season is expected to be a busy one for Parramatta’s recruitment staff.
As for de Belin, his future in the NRL remains uncertain. While still under contract with the Dragons for the remainder of 2025, it’s unclear whether he will seek another club or consider retirement. With over 200 NRL games under his belt and a reputation for toughness and consistency on the field, there is little doubt that he would attract interest if he remains available.
Final Word
While the scrapping of the Jack de Belin-Parramatta deal might come as a disappointment to some fans, it underscores the fluid nature of NRL recruitment. In a game where player movement is as much about timing as talent, both de Belin and the Eels now turn their attention to different paths as the 2025 season winds down. Whether those paths cross again remains to be seen.