Bunnies backflip as Bennett warms to signing De Belin

The Rabbitohs have renewed their bid to sign Dragons veteran Jack de Belin after he put Wayne Bennett's Dolphins to the sword on Sunday. The Rabbitohs expressed interest in de Belin weeks ago but then dropped off due to salary cap issues. But the powerhouse prop gave incoming Bunnies coach Wayne Bennett a close-up look at his strength and class at Kogarah. The 33-year-old was the best front-rower on the field as the Dragons downed Bennett's Dolphins 26-6. De Belin scored a try and made valuable yards up the middle to strengthen his case for a deal at Souths. But his hopes will depend on the cap - and whether Souths can offload halfback Lachlan Ilias, who has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs. The Dragons are still keen to re-sign de Belin, while there is also interest in his services in Super League.

De Belin's plea to Dragons amid contract standoff

Jack de Belin has reiterated his desire to remain a one-club man, despite his future at the Dragons being uncertain for 2025 and beyond. The off-contract forward, who has been one of St George Illawarra's best performers this season, has begun to attract interest from rival clubs for next year. South Sydney were reportedly weighing up a move for the former NSW Blues representativebut have now turned their attention elsewhere, while Super League teams have expressed their desire to lure de Belin overseas to finish his career. While speaking to media ahead of the side's round 17 clash against the Dolphins, de Belin admitted he wanted an answer from the Red V sooner rather than later, but pleaded with club officials to offer him a multi-year deal. "As of right now, there's not [an update] and it's getting to the point now where I'd like to get something finalised and put it behind me," he said. "I've always said in these contract situations, you try to stay out of it as best as you can and let your football do the talking. I feel like I've done that and shown that I've got plenty left in the legs and it should hopefully sort itself out. "It's nice to know there is some interest and offers overseas, but I still feel like I've got plenty to give in the NRL. I don't really want to have to go over there when I feel like I've still got so much to offer and I'm still playing at a high level here. "I've always wanted to be a one-club man and hopefully that can be done and I can finish my career here at the Dragons."

Dufty puts on a magical performance in Kogarah

Matt Dufty and Jack de Belin stole all the headlines in the Dragons' big win over the Broncos on Thursday night, but the bloke I was happiest for was Jack Bird. After winning a premiership at Cronulla, Bird had a horrendous three years at the Broncos, playing just 17 games, suffering injury after injury. The tough utility was a man who would have wanted to prove plenty against the Broncos in his first meeting against his former club - and he was primed for a big one. Bird scored the Dragons' first try and set up second for Brayden Wiliame and was strong throughout in a game that would have given him a lot of satisfaction.