Alyce Taylor’s raw emotion on Jack de Belin’s return to footy
NRL star Jack de Belin walked off the field following his return to the sport on Saturday and into the arms of partner Alyce Taylor.
Taylor has stood by the 30-year-old through more than two years of hell that included two trials for sexual assault charges and an admission from the Dragons player that he cheated on her.
Their relationship of more than nine years has been through enough to push many to breaking point, but Ms Taylor has stuck with the former NSW State of Origin star.
She sent a message of public support for her partner as he made his long-awaited return to rugby league on Saturday, featuring in the Dragons’ 26-18 loss to the Magpies in the NSW Cup at Lidcombe Oval.
It was his first game since September, 2018.
St George Illawarra Dragons player Jack de Belin with Alyce Taylor and their children. Picture: Getty Images.Source:Getty Images
The Director of Public Prosecutions announced the decision to drop the case on Thursday — meaning de Belin will not face a third trial — and he was on the field just 48 hours later.
He is now free to make his return with the Dragons as early as their Round 13 match with the Broncos on Thursday night. However, that appears unlikely as a result of the quick turn around.
de Belin pleaded not guilty to five counts of aggravated sexual assault on a 19-year-old woman inside a North Wollongong unit in December 2018.
Ms Taylor was heavily pregnant with their first child, daughter Billie Maree, at the time. The couple welcomed a second child recently.
They were all there as a family watching on as de Belin made his return to footy through the low key reserve grade match.
Ms Taylor was seen smiling as he got into the on-field action.
She was carrying their newborn in a sling which allowed the family to share a group hug at the end of the game.
Jack de Belin in a family hug with partner Alyce Taylor.Source:Getty Images
The emotional moment was captured by cameras at the game.
His Dragons teammates were also spotted showing him support, including captain Ben Hunt, Tariq Sims, Zac Lomax and Andrew McCullough.
It was a heartwarming moment for de Belin after he had previously cried in court when speaking about his journey into becoming a father.
He wept in court in November, 2020, as his sister gave him a glowing character reference, describing him as a good person and wonderful father.
Jack de Belin played for 45 minutes in his return game.Source:Getty Images
Erica de Belin said her brother was a “walking enigma” as a 100kg rugby league player who loved yoga, practised daily gratitude and was an avid reader.
de Belin’s lower lip quivered during much of his sister’s evidence, but he began to cry as she talked about watching him become a father.
Alyce Taylor pictured watching with her new born baby strapped to her chest. Picture: Sam RuttynSource:News Corp Australia
de Belin’s return to the NRL appears certain to happen in the next few weeks following glowing statements by his coach about his on-field performance.
“He wants to play as quickly as possible. We want to get him on our list,” Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said.
“We aren’t going to do anything stupid which would put him in jeopardy after being out for such a long time.
“I’ve been really impressed with him. He has had his challenges off the field in the last couple of years.
“I haven’t had a great deal to do with him but he has been really determined and focused. He wants to get back into the NRL. As soon as that is the right time, he will be there.”
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