Jack De Belin excused from NSW Blues camp

Jack de Belin has been excused from a NSW State of Origin camp as he gets set to fight sexual assault allegations.

De Belin was the only member of the victorious 2018 Blues side absent from a team get-together at NSWRL headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday.

The St George Illawarra back-rower has been granted conditional bailed after being charged with the aggravated sexual assault in company of a 19-year-old as a result of an alleged incident in a Wollongong apartment on Sunday.

De Belin has denied the allegations and will appear in Wollongong Local Court on February 12.

He was due to be part of the Blues team debrief and bonding session under the watchful eye of coach Brad Fittler on Friday however was given permission to sit it out.

“Jack was selected in Brad Fittler’s squad to come here today and we were in touch with the Dragons last night and we excused him,” NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden said.

Trodden would not comment on the matter, given it is before the courts, or whether rugby league had an image problem after a string of negative headlines.

“We’re disappointed these allegations have been made but I think it’s important to remember they’re allegations at the moment,” Trodden said.

“It’s inappropriate to be running too much commentary on it because allegations have been made. I understand the allegations have been denied.

“It’s for other people, the courts, the NRL integrity unit to make judgments about these sorts of things.

“I think it’s really important to respect the processes that need to be followed and respect the rights of everyone, not just Jack but everyone that’s affected by this.”

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