Former NSW forward Jack de Belin will make his international debut this month with Papua New Guinea after electing to make himself available for the country where his grandmother was born.
The 32-year-old St George Illawarra veteran will run out for new coach Justin Holbrook when the Kumuls line up against the Cook Islands on October 15 and Fiji a fortnight later in Port Moresby.
Souths winger Alex Johnston and Melbourne centre Justin Olam are also representing PNG.
De Belin was coached by Holbrook when the former Titans mentor was the helm of the Dragons’ under-20 squad more than a decade ago.
His grandmother was born in PNG when her parents were serving as missionaries. He had considered taking up an offer to play for the Kumuls in the 2013 World Cup but had pursued his goal of playing for Australia.
Jack de Belin (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
He appeared to close the door on ever running out for the Kumuls last year when he admitted he would feel like a fraud playing for the nation.
“I have never been there or had any connection to the culture or the people,” de Belin told AAP last June. “My nan was born there. She’s not actually Papua New Guinean though, with her heritage … I’ve got no PNG blood.
“That’s why I feel like a bit of a fraud in a sense. I would love to help out and what not, but I just don’t feel like it would be right.
“I’d be taking away a spot from someone who is actually from PNG and deserves it.”
De Belin played three Origins for NSW in 2018 before spending more than two years out of the game while he was stood down during his sexual assault trial, which was dropped after two hung juries.
Dragons teammate Dan Russell, Titans forward Jacob Alick and Cowboys duo Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby were also named in Holbrook’s squad.
Veteran former Canterbury forward Rhyse Martin, who now plays for Leeds, will captain the team.
PNG squad
Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Benji Kot (PNG Hunters)
Dan Russell (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards)
Epel Kapinias (PNG Hunters)
Jack de Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Jacob Alick (Gold Coast Titans)
Judah Rimbu (PNG Hunters)
Junior Rop (PNG Hunters)
Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm)
Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks)
Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards)
Liam Horne (Castleford Tigers)
Nene Macdonald (Leeds Rhinos)
Nixon Putt (Castleford Tigers)
Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos)
Robert Derby (North Queensland Cowboys)
Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters)
Valentine Richard (Central Qld Capras)
Wellington Albert (London Broncos)
Zac Laybutt (North Queensland Cowboys)
with AAP
The Barry
Roar Guru
That should be * you’ve got to have a line somewhere :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don’t disagree with you, but v you’ve got to have a love somewhere Most sports - including the Olympics / have grandparent eligibility and it’s based on their place of birth If it’s a joke, it’s not a rugby league joke His grandmother would be able to get a PNG passport, so the “joke” isn’t even limited to sport
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Cracking me up :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Much ado… The coach wants him to play. He is talked into it and decides to give it a go. He is eligible and decides to help out and maybe learn something about the nation where his granny was born. So whatever…he is not a convicted criminal or he wouldn’t be eligible. He wouldn’t get a passport. Taking up an opportunity presented to him in the twilight of his career isn’t such a terrible thing.
Blink
Roar Rookie
The trial evidence was played out in the media. He is the lowest version of a human being. But I get that he can play league and nothing else matters to you or St George.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
He will add a bit of size to PNG, and whilst never convicted so not a criminal, he is definitely "not son in law" material.
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
Tell that story to the fringe Qld cup player who misses out and his family and see if they agree with you.
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
But you and I both know the Samoan boys do talk about their heritage, and it actually means something to them, I have heard some say they choose to represent Samoa to show respect to their parents not just an opportunity to play international football.
Tony
Roar Guru
Neither you nor I know the answer to that one
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
I presume you are referring to the Penrith boys the difference being they actually celebrate there culture and are openly proud of their family heritage .When was the last time JDB talked about his PNG heritage.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Agree Rossi. DeBelin is a very good footy player.
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
“I’d be taking away a spot from someone who is actually from PNG and deserves it.” This says to me he doesn't mean what he says. Sure people can change their minds or opinions, but that comment from a year ago, or whatever, is based on principle. How do you suddenly change your principles? - presuming he has some.
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
I get what you are saying, but grandma being born there while the parents were missionaries is akin to being born in the terminal at an international airport layover, it a joke that he's eligible.
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
they just need to switch allegiance, I'd say at least wait until after their first game for Samoa though, just in case.
Tony
Roar Guru
Looks like we have another troll
Tony
Roar Guru
What about all the young Samoan kids missing out
Rossi
Roar Rookie
From all reports Justin Holbrook convinced him to play
Rossi
Roar Rookie
There's many alleged criminals who aren't criminals. He's doing PNG a huge favour playing for them, not ripping them off
Rossi
Roar Rookie
A disgrace for being falsely accused? He is a really good player and his work rate, perfect tackling technique and ability will be fantastic for PNG. The fringe QLD Cup player that misses out to an Australian test quality player is a small price to pay. It's great for these tier two nations to have elite NRL players in their sides. They'd be absolutely scratching around for players. It's a shame a he says she says incident in which anyone following the case could see the accuser was dodgy as hell destroyed his rep career. He's done dodgy stuff yes, but how many players at this world cup haven't?
Blink
Roar Rookie
This guy is a disgrace to the game of rugby league. Now he's ripping off Papua New Guinea who are far better off without this alleged criminal.