breaking NRL transfer news about **Blake Wilson leaving the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to sign a two-year deal with the Parramatta Eels**.
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# NRL Transfer News: Blake Wilson Confirms Bulldogs Exit to Join Parramatta Eels on Two-Year Deal
## A Transfer That Shakes the NRL Landscape
The NRL transfer market has just delivered another major shock: **Blake Wilson**, the promising winger who has been one of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ most reliable young talents, has officially confirmed that he will **leave Belmore at the end of the season** to sign a **two-year contract with the Parramatta Eels**.
The move, which had been the subject of speculation for weeks, was formally announced on Saturday morning by both clubs, marking a significant chapter in Wilson’s career and signaling the Eels’ intent to strengthen their roster for the seasons ahead.
At only **23 years old**, Wilson has built a reputation as one of the NRL’s most consistent finishers, admired for his raw pace, defensive discipline, and hunger to compete at the highest level. His decision to leave the Bulldogs for a fresh challenge at the Eels is set to reshape both clubs’ immediate futures.
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## The Official Confirmation
In a joint statement, the Parramatta Eels expressed their excitement over securing Wilson’s signature, while the Bulldogs acknowledged his contribution to the team and wished him the best.
* **Parramatta Eels Statement**:
> *“We are delighted to welcome Blake Wilson to the Blue and Gold family. Blake has shown outstanding potential and consistency with the Bulldogs, and we believe his addition to our squad will significantly bolster our backline depth for the next two seasons.”*
* **Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Statement**:
> *“Blake has been a valued member of our club since his debut, and while we are sad to see him go, we understand his decision to pursue a new opportunity with the Parramatta Eels. We thank him for his dedication to the Bulldogs and wish him every success in the future.”*
Wilson himself also addressed the transfer in a heartfelt message to Bulldogs fans:
> *“I’ll always be grateful to the Bulldogs for giving me my start in the NRL. This club and its supporters mean the world to me. But after careful consideration, I believe the move to Parramatta is the right step for my career. I’m excited for the challenge ahead and can’t wait to contribute to the Eels.”*
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## A Rising Star’s Journey
Blake Wilson’s rise has been anything but ordinary. Originally hailing from **Bega, New South Wales**, Wilson’s rugby league journey began at grassroots level before he was picked up by the Bulldogs’ pathways system.
He made his **NRL debut in 2023**, impressing immediately with his athleticism and ability to adapt to first-grade intensity. Over the course of his short career so far, he has developed into a dependable winger — not the flashiest player, but one whose work rate and finishing ability make him invaluable.
### Key Career Stats (as of 2025):
* **Appearances**: 30+
* **Tries**: 12+
* **Tackle Efficiency**: Among the top for Bulldogs outside backs
* **Kick Returns**: Averaging strong meters per game
For the Bulldogs, Wilson was a player who could be relied upon week after week — a steady presence in a side that has often struggled for consistency.
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## Why Wilson Chose Parramatta
Wilson’s decision to move on from the Bulldogs wasn’t taken lightly. Insiders suggest that three major factors influenced his call:
1. **Playing Opportunities**: At the Eels, Wilson is expected to slot straight into the starting backline, competing for a wing spot with Maika Sivo and others. The Bulldogs’ recruitment of new outside backs created uncertainty about his long-term role.
2. **Club Ambition**: The Eels, having reached the NRL Grand Final in 2022, remain a club with genuine premiership aspirations. For Wilson, the chance to be part of a title-contending squad was too good to pass up.
3. **Career Growth**: Parramatta’s coaching staff is known for developing outside backs, and Wilson reportedly views the move as an opportunity to elevate his game to the next level.
> *“Parramatta showed me how much they value me, not just as a player, but as part of their long-term plans,”* Wilson said. *“That gave me a lot of confidence in making this decision.”*
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## Reaction from the Rugby League World
The announcement sparked widespread reaction across the NRL community.
### Eels Fans:
On social media, Parramatta supporters were quick to celebrate. Many praised the club for investing in a hardworking player rather than chasing only marquee names.
* *“Blake Wilson is exactly the kind of player we need — tough, fast, and consistent. Great signing.”*
* *“Can’t wait to see him link up with Gutho and Moses. Our backline is looking sharp.”*
### Bulldogs Fans:
For Canterbury fans, the mood was bittersweet. While many wished Wilson well, others expressed frustration that the club let another promising player slip away.
* *“Sad to see Wilson go. Always gave 100%. Eels are lucky to have him.”*
* *“We need to stop losing players like this — the rebuild is taking too long.”*
### NRL Analysts:
Pundits viewed the transfer as a smart piece of business for the Eels. Former player Corey Parker commented on Fox League:
> *“Blake Wilson might not grab the headlines like a Latrell Mitchell or Brian To’o, but he’s the type of player you build depth around. Parramatta have been smart here — this is a low-risk, high-reward signing.”*
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## How Wilson Fits into the Eels’ Plans
Parramatta’s roster for the 2026 and 2027 seasons is beginning to take shape, and Wilson’s arrival provides both depth and competition.
### Potential Backline Options:
* **Fullback**: Clint Gutherson
* **Wingers**: Maika Sivo, Blake Wilson
* **Centres**: Will Penisini, Bailey Simonsson
* **Halves**: Mitchell Moses, Dylan Brown
Wilson’s versatility also means he could cover fullback or center if needed, giving Brad Arthur greater tactical flexibility.
> *“We see Blake as someone who can play multiple roles in our backline,”* Arthur said. *“He brings professionalism and a team-first attitude — qualities we value highly.”*
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## What This Means for the Bulldogs
Wilson’s departure is another setback for the Bulldogs, who are still in the midst of a lengthy rebuild under head coach Cameron Ciraldo. While the club has recruited strongly in certain areas, the loss of a young, homegrown winger will sting.
However, Canterbury insiders suggest the club is already eyeing potential replacements from its pathways system and the wider NRL market.
Ciraldo addressed the situation calmly:
> *“Blake is a quality player and person. We respect his decision and wish him nothing but success. For us, it’s about focusing on the guys who are here and committed to the Bulldogs moving forward.”*
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## Financial Implications
Although contract figures were not officially disclosed, reports indicate Wilson’s **two-year deal with the Eels** is worth around **$400,000–$500,000 per season**.
For Parramatta, this represents a modest investment compared to marquee-level contracts, making it a financially savvy move. For Wilson, it’s both a pay rise and an opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
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## Wider NRL Transfer Context
Wilson’s move is the latest in a string of significant NRL transfers that have reshaped team rosters heading into the 2026 season.
* **Dylan Brown**: Linked with overseas rugby moves.
* **Mitchell Moses**: Recently re-signed long-term with the Eels.
* **Joseph Suaalii**: Preparing for his high-profile switch to rugby union.
The Wilson signing highlights the Eels’ determination to maintain stability and competitiveness while other clubs juggle uncertainty.
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## The Emotional Side
For Wilson, leaving the Bulldogs — the club that gave him his NRL debut — is an emotional step. In a heartfelt farewell posted on Instagram, he wrote:
> *“The Bulldogs will always have a place in my heart. I’m thankful for the coaches, teammates, and fans who supported me from day one. But it’s time for a new chapter, and I’m ready to give everything to the Eels.”*
Photos of Wilson hugging teammates after his final Bulldogs training session went viral, underscoring the human side of professional sport often overshadowed by statistics and contracts.
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## Looking Ahead
As Wilson prepares to don the Blue and Gold of Parramatta, all eyes will be on how quickly he adapts to his new surroundings. With preseason looming, the 2026 NRL season could be the year he cements himself as a household name.
Eels captain Clint Gutherson summed it up:
> *“We’re pumped to have Blake on board. He’s hungry, he’s humble, and he’s ready to work. That’s exactly the kind of player we want at Parramatta.”*
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## Conclusion: A Win-Win Transfer
Blake Wilson’s move from the Bulldogs to the Eels is more than just another NRL transfer story — it’s a tale of ambition, opportunity, and the ever-shifting landscape of rugby league.
For Parramatta, it’s a shrewd signing that strengthens their backline for the next two years. For Wilson, it’s a chance to grow in a competitive environment and push toward a premiership. For the Bulldogs, it’s a reminder of the challenges of rebuilding while retaining talent.
What’s certain is that fans across the league will be watching closely as Wilson begins this new chapter in his career.
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