Balmforth has been on loan at Catalans.
Denive Balmforth will return to Hull FC at the end of the 2025 season. The young hooker has been out on loan at Catalans Dragons in recent weeks, playing eight times for the Perpignan-based club.
However, he will return to his parent outfit at the end of next month, with the player contracted at the Black and Whites for the next three years. He will battle alongside Amir Bourouh, Cade Cust, and Will Hutchinson for a dummy-half spot.
Balmforth has earned valuable Super League experience on loan at Catalans, scoring two tries. He has now made over 60 career appearances since stepping onto the professional rugby league scene in 2022, with 26 of those coming for Hull – nine this season.
The Hull hooker is one of 13 players that will depart the Dragons, with high-profile players Luke Keary and Elliot Whitehead also leaving the club. Keary made headlines earlier this year after his controversial criticism of Super League and has failed to shine in his one year in Perpignan. He will be released from the final year of his contract. Meanwhile, Whitehead will retire from professional rugby league after a superb career with Bradford Bulls, Canberra Raiders, and the Dragons.
Four other former NRL players will also depart: Tariq Sims, Bayley Sironen, Tevita Pangai Jr, and Reimis Smith. Elsewhere, Catalans’ all-time top try-scorer, Fouad Yaha, will leave alongside fellow French players Arthur Romano, Paul Séguier, Théo Fages, and Tanguy Zenon.
As confirmed on Wednesday, Sam Tomkins has already retired with immediate effect. The former Man of Steel came out of retirement last year but has now hung the boots up for good.
Confirming the departures, Catalans said in a club statement: “A chapter in the history of the Catalans Dragons is about to close. At the end of this season, thirteen players will leave the club. Thirteen players who, each in their own way, have left their mark on the club.
“Our last home game of the season against Wigan on Saturday 30th August will see us pay tribute to all of our departing players at the end of the game.”
The statement continued: “Thirteen departures, but one shared memory: having proudly defended the blood and gold colours. The club would like to thank each of them for their contribution and wishes them all the best for the future. Whether they continue their careers elsewhere or hang up their boots, they will forever remain Dragons.”
The club has already confirmed half a dozen new signings for next season. They have completed deals for Toby Sexton from Canterbury Bulldogs, as first reported by AORL. Elsewhere, further overseas recruitment comes in Solomona Faataape and Charlie Staines (both Wests Tigers), Josh Allen (Dolphins), and Zac Lipowicz (Penrith Panthers). They have also signed Harvey Wilson from Salford.
They are also now chasing a deal for Penrith Panthers hooker Soni Luke, as reported by AORL this Thursday afternoon.