St George Illawarra focus turns to Lidcombe Oval for de Belin return

Such has been the fierce debate over Jack de Belin's court case and the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy for the past 2.5 years, the match is likely to overshadow the first grade clash between the Panthers and Bulldogs that will be played at the same time.

Read more: Dragons have always kept the faith in Jack de Belin, now he must repay it

Given how poorly the top squad performed in Friday's loss to the Tigers, it's possible the clash with Western Suburbs will be the former Origin forward's only match in NSW Cup before he is rushed back into first grade for Thursday's game against Brisbane.

The Dragons have done their best to keep expectations low for de Belin's return, however the players have not denied their enthusiasm to see their teammate back on the field.

"Everyone's pretty excited," captain Ben Hunt said. "We've been behind Jack the whole way. Everyone's been hanging on every time there's been a bit of news coming that hopefully it's going to be good.

"We're finally there now and everyone's excited to have him back."

While it was de Belin who was battling sexual assault charges, charges that were officially dropped by the DPP on Friday following two hung juries, the case has cast a cloud over the entire club since his arrest in December 2018.

The test case for the NRL's new stand-down policy, the dismissal of a Federal Court appeal left the team in crisis prior to a clash with the Knights in Mudgee during a disastrous 2019 season.

Paul McGregor stood by the lock the entire time, the former coach conceding the distraction led the team to poor results and ultimately contributed to his departure.

With the matter finally concluded, Hunt said a weight had been lifted from the players' shoulders and they look forward to moving on.

"Whenever something comes up in the news about it or the next case was coming up or you knew there's a deadline coming, you're sort of sitting, waiting, hoping for the best.

"When the news did come through, there was a lot of excitement, we felt like we could get on with life again."

Throughout the entirety of the ordeal, de Belin has remained committed to his training, determined to be ready if, and when, a clearance to return came.

His effort and fitness had a dual effect on the team, players inspired but also constantly reminded of the fact one of their stars could not line up each week.

Given how hard de Belin has worked, Hunt is confident the forward will thrive in what is a vastly different game to the one he left.

"He's been out for a while now, there's been a lot of different changes that have come into the game.

"Jack's a real professional, he always has been. He looks after himself and trains hard. I think he's a fabulous player and he'll adapt pretty well to the new way the game is."