Jack de Belin embraces fiancé and young children after first NRL match in almost three years

Jack de Belin embraces his fiancé and young children and is given a thunderous applause in his first NRL match in almost three years after rape charges against him were dropped

Jack de Belin embraced his devoted fiancé and young children after making a triumphant return to the rugby league field.

The St George Illawarra forward, 30, received a standing ovation at Sydney’s Jubilee Oval as the Dragons took on the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday night.

It was the Blues origin player’s first NRL match in almost three years after being sidelined to face rape charges which were eventually dropped last month.

Jack De Belin of the Dragons is seen with partner Alyce Taylor after the round 13 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Broncos

The St George Illawarra forward, 30, received a standing ovation at Sydney’s Jubilee Oval as the Dragons took on the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday night

The St George Illawarra forward, 30, received a standing ovation at Sydney’s Jubilee Oval as the Dragons took on the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday night

Alyce Taylor and de Belin embrace after the Dragon's star's first game back in almost three years

Alyce Taylor and de Belin embrace after the Dragon’s star’s first game back in almost three years

The Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to pursue the sexual assault charges against the St George Illawarra lock after two criminal trials failed to reach a verdict.

The ordeal meant de Belin was banned from playing under the NRL’s no fault stand down policy, but the hard-running Dragon’s star is now free to continue his career.

There was a huge roar from the crowd when finally de Belin stepped onto the field in St George’s 52-24 win over Brisbane. 

He came on as an interchange player and ended up staying for about 25 minutes.

When the match was over he headed over to his partner Alyce Taylor and their two young children. 

Ms Taylor has continued to stand by de Belin throughout the harrowing period, so it was an emotional moment when the couple embraced on the sidelines to the cheer of nearby supporters. 

Channel Nine commentators Darren Lockyer and Allana Ferguson were full of praise for de Belin who performed strongly given the time off.

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