Revealed: Why one of the NRL's hardest men broke down in tears in emotional encounter with a fan he's never met before
The 34-year-old, who is the most experienced player in the Dragons squad, has agreed to join Parramatta next year after being informed that his club no longer wanted to extend his contract.
Another season with the Dragons and De Belin might have beaten Ben Hornby's 242 game tally as the most-capped Red V player ever.
After Sunday's 34-20 victory against the eels at WIN Stadium, De Belin mingled with fans who were sad to hear he was leaving.
'Why'd you have to go, bro?' said one devoted supporter who embraced the forward.
'I'm sorry to see you go.'
@vando_22502
As a Parra fan this hurts to see, Jack De Belin definitely looked devastated, all he wanted was to be a one club player, and this is how they treat him💔video from Jean Claude YouTube channel ItzJC99 #jeanclaude #dragons #jackdebelin
♬ original sound - ﾒ𝟶Vando_2💚🦁❤️🎗️
De Belin replied: 'So am I, dude. It breaks my heart.'
The man continued: 'A club legend - you could have got the f**king record, brother.'
The heartfelt remark was too much for De Belin who put his hand up to his eyes and turned away.
The pair then posed for a photo with De Belin still clearly very emotional.
'Sorry to make you cry, brother,' said the man.
'You are one of my favourite players.'
De Belin revealed over the weekend that he's been very emotional ever since he heard the Dragons wouldn't be offering a new deal.
'I've been so emotional,' de Belin told News Corp.
'I've been on the brink of tears for the past week. It's bitter sweet. All good things come to an end at some point.
'I was very surprised to be told the club doesn't want you. It is a bit of a slap in the face. At the end of the day it's a business.
'I'm a big boy. I will get on with it.'
The three-time NSW representative will help replenish an Eels forward pack that has lost Bryce Cartwright and Joe Ofahengaue since Ryles took charge this year.
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