Parramatta is set to strengthen its forward pack in 2026 with the impending arrival of veteran prop Jack de Belin from the Dragons, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
De Belin has informed St George Illawarra of his decision to join the Eels on a two-year deal that includes a club option for the 2027 season.
The 33-year-old, who has played 242 NRL games exclusively for the Dragons since debuting in 2011, had previously expressed a desire to remain a one-club player. Just last month, he said, “I bleed for this club… Hopefully we can keep it that way,” highlighting his long-standing loyalty to the Red V. However, a new chapter now awaits in blue and gold.
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There remains a possibility de Belin could move to Parramatta mid-season, given the Eels’ available salary cap space. But such a switch before the June 30 deadline would depend on the Dragons’ willingness to release him, which is uncertain as they remain in the top-eight contention despite consecutive losses.
Meanwhile, two Dragons reserve grade halves are generating interest across the league. Jonah Glover and Lachlan Ilias, who have steered the club’s NSW Cup team to eight straight victories, are reportedly on the radar of rival NRL clubs.
Ilias, who joined the Dragons from South Sydney this season, was dropped from the first grade in Round 9 and replaced by coach Shane Flanagan’s son Kyle at halfback and Lhykan King-Togia at five-eighth. Glover, still awaiting his NRL debut, continues to impress in the lower grade but remains overlooked.
Veteran journalist Brent Read suggested the duo’s continued omission could lead to a potential move.
“There’s a sense of frustration that they’re not getting a shot,” Read said. “Ilias is the most likely one to move.”
In other NRL transfer news, the Cowboys have made a bid to poach Broncos flyer Selwyn Cobbo before the June 30 deadline, but Brisbane is holding firm. With injuries to Semi Valemei and Viliami Vailea, and Valentine Holmes now at the Dragons, North Queensland is desperate to reinforce its backline. Broncos coach Michael Maguire, however, is keen to retain Cobbo beyond 2025.
Additionally, Newcastle has rejected a potential player swap with the Wests Tigers involving second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul and hooker Tallyn Da Silva. Although the Tigers were willing to part with Da Silva, who is reportedly seeking a starting role elsewhere, the Knights opted against the mid-season switch.
The flurry of activity underscores a tense final week before the NRL’s mid-season transfer window closes on June 30, with several clubs scrambling to bolster their rosters for a late finals push.
