NRL halfback Dean Hawkins has been released from the Parramatta Eels, following recent speculation the 26-year-old had been allowed to pursue options at a Super League club.
Hawkins’ exit is due to the Eels making way for incoming playmaker Jonah Pezet, who joins the club from Melbourne Storm.
Pezet’s arrival, and the fact he will be a starting player, leaves Hawkins no real chance for first team rugby. Now, the 26-time NRL player will move to the Northern Hemisphere, with Parramatta confirming he has agreed a deal with a Super League side.
That club, however has not been named, and with no announcement of where his future lies, the speculation surrounding his next club remains active.
Here are three teams that could realistically sign the half-back, with multiple clubs potentially benefitting from adding his experience to the side.
Three Super League teams that could sign released NRL man
Castleford Tigers
The Tigers are the one club that need a half-back the most. Rowan Milnes, following his exit in August to Hull KR and later Bradford, was never replaced at the club, and as it stands have Daejarn Asi as their only specialist half.
The one caveat for Castleford signing him is that they are currently full on the quota cap, with 10 overseas players signed up for next year. That means they would have to move one of those on, with Tex Hoy the most likely candidate.
Huddersfield Giants
Whilst the Giants have two established halves in Tui Lolohea and Adam Clune, their inability to play consistent rugby is what has hampered the club the most this season.
Injuries have meant that the pair combined have played 22 matches in all competitions this year, with Clune making up just six of those.
There’s no doubting each of their quality, but adding in that extra half would give them quality depth and should injuries occur again this year they will be better prepared.
Toulouse Olympique
The newly-promoted French side will be hoping for a longer stint in Super League than the last time they were in the top flight, as they lasted just one season in 2022.
The Sylvain Houles-led side currently have former Wigan Warriors man Jake Shorrocks as the starting half-back, with the stand-off position being switched between Anthony Marion and Thomas Lacans.
Whilst there is some top flight experience between those three, it is definitely not enough to be a convincing threat next year, and bringing in someone like Hawkins would go a long way in proving they can compete.
Toulouse have already announced the signing of one Parramatta player this week, with Brendan Hands joining permanently after his loan spell. Could we see another Eels man make a move to France?
Thank you Footy Dean 🫶
Dean Hawkins has been released from the final year of his contract to pursue an opportunity in the English Super League.
Wishing Dean all the best on his next venture. Forever #BlueandGold #PARRAdise
Details👇https://t.co/O72LVI7Rme
— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) October 23, 2025
