Parramatta Eels announce double re-signing as Jason Ryles continues roster rebuild
Parramatta have announced a double re-signing with Brendan Hands and Sean Russell committing their futures to the club.
The duo have inked two-year deals which will take them through until the end of the 2026 campaign.
The news comes as Jason Ryles continues to reshape his Eels roster after taking over the club following the departure of Brad Arthur midway through last season.
Parramatta Eels re-sign Brendan Hands and Sean Russell
Parramatta have been linked with Jayden Brailey in the past few months after the Newcastle hooker reportedly found himself on the outer at the club.
Yet a move for the No.9 has failed to materialise since Ryles has taken charge.
Hands now appears set to be the club’s first-choice dummy-half for the 2025 season as things stand after being rewarded with a new deal.
The 24-year-old was locked in a battle with Joey Lussick for the starting spot last season, which he eventually won in the second half of the campaign.
Hands didn’t start a match until Round 13 as he was only previously used off the interchange bench. However, once he worked his way into the side, he became the undisputed No.9 under interim coach Trent Barrett.
His extension appears to reinforce that Ryles holds him in a similarly high regard as he was due to come off-contract at the end of 2025.
“Brendan played in nearly 20 NRL matches last season and was one of our top performers,” Parramatta’s General Manager of Football, Mark O’Neill, said.
“He is a running threat out of dummy-half and offers versatility as he can play multiple positions. Brendan is the ultimate professional; he always puts the club first and is an important part of our squad moving forward.”
Meanwhile, Russell has also been handed a new deal after featuring in 21 games for the Eels last season. This was a marked improvement on his previous best tally of 17 matches the year before.
The 22-year-old had a lean year in the try scoring stakes as Parra slumped to a bottom four finish on the ladder.
In fact, he managed to score just five tries all season, although four of those came in his last six appearances.
“Russell’s extension is special to us, as he is a product of our elite pathways system, and therefore our members and fans have great interest in his journey,” O’Neill said.
“Sean has worked incredibly hard on his game which reflected in his performances throughout the season.
“As a result, it was a well-deserved honour being selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII. Sean is a wonderful team man with his best football ahead of him and we’re proud to have him continue to represent the club.”
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