Dragons forward Jack de Belin charged with sexual assault

St George Illawarra Dragons' State of Origin forward Jack de Belin has been charged with sexual assault.

The Dragons on Thursday confirmed that the 27-year-old has been charged following an alleged incident in Wollongong last Sunday.

A statement from the NRL club said: "The St George Illawarra Dragons have today been advised that forward Jack de Belin has been charged with sexual assault following an alleged incident in Wollongong on Sunday, December 9.

"The club is taking the matter very seriously and have been working with Jack and all relevant authorities, including the police and the NRL Integrity Unit, since this time.

"Jack has been provided with welfare support to enable him the time and opportunity to deal with the matter.

"As this is a police matter to be considered by the court, the club is not in a position to make any further comment at this time."

De Belin played his first three Origin matches for New South Wales this year.