Controversial NRL forward Jack de Belin has snubbed a big-money NZ Warriors offer, agreeing in principle to a new deal with St George Illawarra Dragons.
De Belin hasn't played since 2018 under the NRL's no-fault stand down rules, as he awaits trial on sexual assault charges. His case is due in court in November.
The 29-year-old's contract expires this season and the Warriors have pursued his services, but de Belin has opted to stay with the Dragons, who have remained loyal to him during the process.
Despite his suspension, de Belin has continued to train with the club, collecting full pay of more than $600,000 a season, while unavailable for selection.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the Warriors were prepared to offer him $200,000 more than he's currently earning and incoming coach Nathan Brown said the New South Wales representative would be an "an outstanding" signing.
But the Dragons have confirmed that de Belin has agreed in principle to re-sign beyond the 2020 season, "pending the outcome of his imminent court matter" and the terms will remain confidential while the case continues.
De Belin will face a readiness hearing on September 7 at Wollongong Local Court, with his trial to begin on November 2.
He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count of aggravated sexual assault in company, inflicting actual bodily harm that allegedly took place in a Wollongong apartment in December 2018.
Expected to last two weeks, De Belin's trial was originally scheduled for February 3, but was hit by several delays.
According to a separate SMH report, the Warriors are also one of three clubs chasing the services of Gold Coast Titans captain and Kiwis forward Kevin Proctor.
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