Paul McGregor stands by Jack de Belin as ARLC meeting looms

De Belin missed Saturday's 18-10 trial win over the Knights with a virus, but with McGregor stating he will name his strongest possible side for Saturday's match, de Belin is set to return to the squad.

The Dragons rested James Graham and Tyson Frizell for Saturday's trial, with McGregor confirming the pair will also return for the side's second and final trial. 

While the Dragons have opted against standing de Belin down while he faces charges of aggravated sexual assault, his immediate playing future is likely to be determined by the outcome of an Australian Rugby League Commission meeting to be held Thursday.

The Commission will meet to determine whether to overhaul the NRL's current stance of allowing court proceedings to play out prior to handing out discipline. 

McGregor confirmed de Belin will turn out if he is not ruled ineligible to play.

"We'll be running out our side as close as we can next week to the side that will be starting in round one," McGregor said. "We'll be playing players minutes around what they'll need to be ready for in round one. 

"The most important thing for me is to give the guys minutes under duress in a trial rather than round one, so they start the season well."

"I will choose the closest 17 as I can that are healthy. That will be James and Friz back next week, and obviously Jack if he’s available, and I’ll pick the team from today's performance as well after review."

McGregor also made a statement affirming the club's support for de Belin and cautioning against a knee-jerk reaction due to the case's high-profile nature.

"I recognise the significance and importance surrounding the current proceedings regarding Jack de Belin and the allegations against him. There is a judicial process underway to establish a resolution to this allegation and dispute.

"Jack's welfare is our main concern and it is important that integrity and wellbeing are considered.

"If history and the past decade has taught us anything in rugby league, it is to refrain from making assumptions prior to legal proceedings being concluded.

"My focus needs to be on all 35 players in our squad and starting the season well for everyone associated with the Dragons and as such, I'm not interested in adding anything further to the commentary on this matter."

Dragons teammate and Rugby League Players Association director Jeremy Lattimore threw his support behind de Belin on Sunday, telling the Sun-Herald he would like to see de Belin play while he fights the charges.

“We are fully behind the RLPA and believe the policy in place at the moment is fair and reasonable,” Lattimore said. 

“Jack’s situation is obviously really sensitive and everyone has an opinion these days.

"However, we’re concerned that the game will make a knee-jerk decision to change this policy that could have huge ramifications for players and our livelihoods.

“We feel like bringing in a stand-down rule would not only be completely unfair but also impact on the level of trust between us as players and the game.”