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Jack de Belin looks down at his painted fingernails and smiles. 

From yellow to bright pink and every colour in between, the St George Illawarra star's nails are hard to miss. 

But this isn't a fashion statement. Instead, it's simply life as a dad of two young daughters. 

It's also a regular reminder of one of the most important factors for de Belin to consider when he weighs up whether to move to the English Super League or chase a new contract in the NRL for 2025.

"That's the thing I've got to weigh up as well now," de Belin said. "It's not just me, I've got a wife and three kids, including a newborn. Is it worth packing up and moving them? 

"But at the same time, footy careers are a short thing and you've got to cash in and make the most of it while you can. It is a lot, it's a massive move."

Jack de Belin's family is a key factor when determining his future.
Jack de Belin's family is a key factor when determining his future. ©NRL Photos

After growing up in Cootamundra, de Belin made his NRL debut for the Dragons as a 20-year-old in 2011. 

He has gone on to play 215 games and has long dreamt of retiring as a one-club man. 

The reality of modern-day NRL, however, is not lost on him and de Belin recognises that may no longer be his decision to make.

Jack De Belin Try

"If the club wants you, they'll do what they can to keep you," he said. "So we'll see what happens there. 

"At the end of the day, it is a business. I've seen some of my best mates come and go. It is heartbreaking at the time but it's a business. People come and go and there are some unfortunate things along the way but that's all part of it."

Jack de Belin celebrates a try in Saturday's win over the Rabbitohs.
Jack de Belin celebrates a try in Saturday's win over the Rabbitohs. ©NRL Photos

De Belin has provided a solid platform through the middle of the field as St George Illawarra have made a much-improved start to the season. The Dragons have already matched their win total from last year, winning five of their opening 10 games before this weekend's bye. 

While he's 33 and approaching the twilight of his career, de Belin feels he still has plenty to offer on the field.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is yet to sit down with de Belin to outline the club's plans, leaving the veteran to weigh up his options. 

De Belin has reached out to a number of former teammates currently playing in the Super League and there is plenty that appeals to him.

"I've got a couple of mates over in Super League at the moment," he said. "Adam Clune, [Matt Dufty], Tariq Sims is at Catalans so a heap of mates over there. 

"They reckon the lifestyle is really good. You're in Europe so if you have a bit of time off you can get on a plane and in two hours you're in Spain. 

"It's really good in that sense but to be honest, I love living down in Wollongong and it'll be hard to pack up and move, but at the same time it is what it is."

 

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