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Dragons veteran Jack de Belin had to fight back tears during an emotional encounter with a fan over the weekend, just days after finding out he will be finishing his career wearing a different jersey.
The 34-year-old, who is the most experienced player in the Dragons squad, has agreed to join Parramatta next year after being informed that his club no longer wanted to extend his contract.
Another season with the Dragons and De Belin might have beaten Ben Hornby's 242 game tally as the most-capped Red V player ever.
After Sunday's 34-20 victory against the eels at WIN Stadium, De Belin mingled with fans who were sad to hear he was leaving.
'Why'd you have to go, bro?' said one devoted supporter who embraced the forward.
'I'm sorry to see you go.'
Jack de Belin revealed he's been very emotional ever since he heard the Dragons wouldn't be offering a new deal
De Belin replied: 'So am I, dude. It breaks my heart.'
The man continued: 'A club legend - you could have got the f**king record, brother.'
The heartfelt remark was too much for De Belin who put his hand up to his eyes and turned away.
The pair then posed for a photo with De Belin still clearly very emotional.
'Sorry to make you cry, brother,' said the man.
'You are one of my favourite players.'
De Belin revealed over the weekend that he's been very emotional ever since he heard the Dragons wouldn't be offering a new deal.
De Belin (pictured with wife Alyce) has played 242 games for the Red V
'I've been so emotional,' de Belin told News Corp.
'I've been on the brink of tears for the past week. It's bitter sweet. All good things come to an end at some point.
'I was very surprised to be told the club doesn't want you. It is a bit of a slap in the face. At the end of the day it's a business.
'I'm a big boy. I will get on with it.'
The three-time NSW representative will help replenish an Eels forward pack that has lost Bryce Cartwright and Joe Ofahengaue since Ryles took charge this year.
De Belin made his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2011 and has played 242 games for the Red V - 31 shy of the club record set by 2010 premiership captain Ben Hornby.
