“It’s Time for Me to Let Go”: Brendan Hands Announces Departure from Parramatta Eels in Tearful Message to Fans
By Sophie Lawrence | June 7, 2025 | Parramatta, NSW
In a stunning development that has left the NRL community in shock, Brendan Hands, the hard-working and versatile hooker for the Parramatta Eels, has announced that he is stepping away from the club and the sport indefinitely. The 25-year-old made the unexpected announcement on Friday morning, delivering an emotional farewell to fans, teammates, and coaches in a statement that was equal parts heartbreaking and courageous.
“It’s time for me to let go,” Hands said during the club’s media session at CommBank Stadium. “This game has given me everything I could’ve dreamed of, but there comes a moment where you know you have to listen to what your body, and more importantly, your heart, is trying to tell you. For me, that moment is now.”
The statement immediately sent ripples through the rugby league world. Hands, known for his reliability off the bench and a growing reputation as a defensive workhorse, was considered a vital part of the Eels’ rotation moving into the 2025 season. His decision to leave—abrupt and deeply personal—has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, fellow players, and sports figures across Australia.
The Making of Brendan Hands
Brendan Hands’ rugby league story was one defined by persistence, humility, and grit. Born and raised in Sydney, he began his junior career with the Brothers Penrith before being picked up by the Penrith Panthers’ junior system. He wasn’t the flashiest or fastest, but he quickly gained a reputation for being one of the hardest-working young players in the game.
In 2021, he joined the Parramatta Eels’ feeder team and worked his way up through the New South Wales Cup, showing consistency and leadership far beyond his years. He made his NRL debut for the Eels in 2023 and played 19 games in his first full season, gradually becoming a fan favorite for his toughness and team-first attitude.
“Brendan was the kind of player every coach dreams of,” said Eels head coach Brad Arthur. “He never complained, never looked for attention—just did the job week in, week out. Losing him is more than just losing a player. It’s losing a part of our spirit.”
The Toll Behind the Scenes
While fans saw the determined athlete, few knew the struggles Brendan faced behind the scenes. In his statement, Hands candidly revealed the emotional and mental toll that had accumulated over the years.
“I’ve battled with anxiety and self-doubt more than people could ever imagine,” he said. “From the outside, it may look like everything is fine, but for a long time, I’ve felt a weight pressing down on me—a sense of emotional exhaustion that’s hard to put into words.”
He went on to describe how the pressure of professional sport, the constant fear of injury, and the intense scrutiny took a toll on his mental health. In recent months, he began to feel more disconnected from the game and increasingly uncertain about his future in rugby league.
“I started waking up dreading training, something I used to love. I knew that wasn’t right,” Hands admitted. “I’ve always given 100% to my team, but when your heart’s not in it anymore, it’s not fair to them or to yourself.”
Support from the Eels and Rugby League Community
Shortly after Hands’ announcement, the Parramatta Eels released a heartfelt statement:
