Brendan Hands and Sean Russell have committed their careers to the Parramatta club in a double re-signing.
The two have signed contracts that will keep them together until the end of the 2026 season.
The announcement comes as Jason Ryles, who took over the Eels after Brad Arthur left halfway through the previous season, continues to restructure his team.
Parramatta Eels re-sign Brendan Hands and Sean Russell
In recent months, Parramatta has been connected to Jayden Brailey after the Newcastle hooker was allegedly kicked out of the team.
However, since Ryles became leadership, a move for the No. 9 has not come to fruition.
After receiving a new contract, Hands now seems to be the team’s first-choice dummy-half for the 2025 campaign.
Last season, the 24-year-old and Joey Lussick fought for the starting position, which he ultimately secured in the second half of the season.
Hands had only ever been used off the interchange bench, therefore he didn’t start a match until Round 13. But after making his way into the starting lineup, he emerged as Trent Barrett’s uncontested number nine.
Since his contract was set to expire at the end of 2025, his extension seems to confirm that Ryles views him as highly as he does.
Mark O’Neill, the general manager of football at Parramatta, stated, “Brendan was one of our top performers and played in nearly 20 NRL matches last season.”
Because he can play a variety of positions, he is versatile and a running danger out of dummy-half. Brendan is a vital member of our team going ahead and is the epitome of professionalism; he always prioritises the club.”
Russell, meanwhile, received a new contract after playing in 21 games with the Eels the previous season. Compared to his previous best total of 17 matches the previous year, this was a significant improvement.
Parra finished in the bottom four on the standings, and the 22-year-old had a poor year in terms of try scoring.
He actually only scored five tries this season, but four of them came in his final six games.
“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 improved his game tremendously, and it has shown in his performances all season long.
Thus, being chosen for the Prime Minister’s XIII was a well-earned honour. We are happy that Sean will still play for the team because he is a fantastic team player with his best football still to come.
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