An NRL hooker has been granted a release from his club in order to make a permanent move to Super League for 2026.

Parramatta Eels have confirmed that Brendan Hands has been granted an early release from his contract with the hooker signing permanently with Super League new boys Toulouse Olympique.

Hands spent the final three months of the 2025 season on loan with the French outfit and helped them to a Grand Final win but his future beyond that game was unclear.

Speaking after confirmation the club would be playing in Super League in 2026, head coach Sylvain Houles said: “Brendan is contracted with Parramatta but we’ll definitely talk with Brendan and we hope that we can have him onboard because he did a tremendous job during the couple of months he was with us.”

Those conversations with Parramatta have clearly taken place as Toulouse have now confirmed Hands as a permanent addition, with the 26-year-old signing a one-year deal.

Toulouse Olympique sign Brendan Hands after Super League promotion

News of Hands’ release from Parramatta and signing with Toulouse came together with both clubs releasing statements.

The Olympians confirmed: “Toulouse’s management have reached an agreement with their Australian counterparts to release the 26-year-old from the final year of his contract with the Sydney suburb club, allowing him to sign with the club until the end of 2026.”

Hands, who played eight games for Toulouse whilst on loan and 40 during his time in the NRL, expressed delight at committing to Toulouse, insisting he was ‘ready to give my best in Super League’.

Coach Sylvain Houles added:”I’m very happy that Brendan is staying with us. As soon as he arrived last August, he immediately showed us all his qualities in the hooker position. He brought us a certain stability and serenity to our game, both in attack and defense.”

As well as adding Hands to their squad, Toulouse have made more moves with loanee AJ Wallace confirmed as a permanent signing after his release from Hull KR.

The club have also signed Calum Gahan to a new one-year deal, ensuring he remains for 2026 with the 28-year-old set to play in tandem with Hands at hooker.

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Thank you Handsy 💙💛

Brendan Hands has been released from the final year of his contract to remain with Toulouse Olympique.

We wish Brendan all the best in France. Forever #BlueandGold #PARRAdise

Details 👇https://t.co/y7S4ElGZNI

— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) October 22, 2025