The Parramatta Eels appear to be making room for Jonah Pezet’s arrival in 2026, releasing fellow halfback Dean Hawkins and allowing hooker Brendan Hands to remain in France. Pezet is reportedly set to sign with the Eels on a one-year deal, before switching to the Broncos in 2027 to succeed Adam Reynolds.
On Wednesday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Hawkins will be released from the final year of his contract and is expected to move to the Super League. The halfback played 12 games at NRL level for the Eels this year, and filled in admirably when Mitchell Moses was injured.
The Eels finished the year with Moses and Joash Papalii in the halves, and Pezet’s arrival in 2026 means Hawkins is surplus to requirements. The 26-year-old played 14 games for Souths from 2021 to 2024, and showed he’s a capable NRL-calibre half. But he’ll now take his skills to England and is expected to join a Super League club in 2026.
Meanwhile, the Eels have also farewelled Hands after releasing him to stay at Toulouse Olympique long-term. Hands moved to the French club last year on what was described as a ‘loan’ deal.
But the Eels have now granted him an official release so he can remain in France long-term. “Brendan has been a valued member of our club and we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career,” the Eels said in a statement.
The 26-year-old played 40 games for the Eels between 2023 and 2025, but fell down the pecking order this year behind Ryley Smith and Tallyn Da Silva. Toulouse recently secured promotion back to the Super League, and Hands is keen to stick around to play top-level footy in the English comp.
Why Jonah Pezet is only doing one year at Parramatta
The Hands decision appears unrelated to Pezet’s arrival, but the Eels are likely making salary cap and roster space. Speaking on Wednesday, Pezet’s manager Braith Anasta rejected claims the Eels weren’t keen to secure Pezet on a long-term deal, and stated they’d love to have him for 2026 and beyond.
But the lure of joining a spine of Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh at the NRL premiers Brisbane is too good to resist. The Broncos opportunity will only open up when Reynolds likely retires after 2026, but Pezet can walk into the Eels’ halves a season earlier.
“He’s going to Parramatta to win the comp and make the top 8 and partner Mitchell Moses,” Anasta said. “It’s not money-based either. It’s purely based on opportunity and where Jonah can be his best.
“Brisbane is hard to knock back. To partner Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh – they’re three of the best young players in the comp when you add Jonah in your spine. Jonah is only going to get better. To be the No.7 at the Brisbane Broncos – a powerhouse club – there’s no better opportunity.”
