The Parramatta Eels have confirmed the immediate departure of hooker Brendan Hands, who joins Toulouse Olympique for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Hands remains under contracts with Parramatta for the 2026 NRL season despite the mid-year move.
A Penrith junior, Hands impressed throughout the lower grades for the Panthers, before joining the Eels in 2022.
The 26-year-old has been a reliable operator for the Eels out of dummy half.
Originally touted as Reed Mahoney’s successor, Hands has battled for minutes against the likes of Joey Lussick, Ryley Smith, and now Tallyn Da Silva.
Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill praised Hands’ contributions to the club in a statement on Wednesday.
“Brendan has been terrific for us during his time at our club,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for him to gain valuable experience where he can continue his development in a new environment.”
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Hands extended his contract with Parramatta through 2026 last November, underlining the club’s long-term faith in his development.
His temporary switch to Toulouse provides an important chance to gain further experience in the RFL Championship.
