Jack de Belin facing new charges in huge twist to rape case

St George Illawarra Dragons player Jack de Belin is facing two new rape charges over the alleged assault of a teenager in Wollongong.

De Belin, 27, and friend Callan Sinclair were charged with aggravated sexual assault after the alleged attack on a 19-year-old woman in a unit in the early hours of December 9.

Police allege they had sexual intercourse with the woman without her consent, in circumstances of aggravation, and in the company.

De Belin pleaded not guilty to the rape in February.

Sinclair, 21, has indicated he will also fight the accusation.

But NSW Police confirmed they charged de Belin with two additional counts of aggravated sexual assault in company when he faced Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday.

He now faces three charges.

AAP understands the charges relate to the same alleged victim during the same encounter on December 9.

The pair's bail conditions remained unchanged after Wednesday's appearance.

They are expected to return to the same court on July 24.

The sexual assault offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years behind bars.

Dragons get dispensation

St George Illawarra on Tuesday were awarded special dispensation from the NRL to help cover the absence of Jack de Belin.

The league said the Dragons would be able to outlay $239,000 on signing a replacement forward for de Belin, who has been stood down under the NRL's "no-fault" policy.

De Belin has pleaded not guilty, but is unable to play until at least the case against him is finalised in court.

An NRL spokesman told AAP the amount the Dragons could spend on a replacement was the "exact proportion" of de Belin's salary for the remainder of the 2019 season.

But in granting the Dragons cap relief - which the club applied for last week - NRL salary cap auditor Richard Gardham stipulated that the club can only purchase a forward.

Such a scenario opens the door for former Dragons Trent Merrin or Russell Packer to return to the club.