LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Manly Sea Eagles fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the club's recruitment approach after reports surfaced about their interest in signing Bulldogs winger Blake Wilson and Jake Turpin. According to the Daily Telegraph, the club is in the 'final stages' of securing Wilson and is currently 'in talks' with Turpin.
Fans are questioning this decision, given that the Sea Eagles already have a surplus of players in the wing and hooker positions. Since making his debut for the Bulldogs in 2023, Wilson has appeared in 27 games but has largely played in reserve-grade throughout 2025. With coach Cameron Ciraldo preferring Jethro Rinakama and Enari Tuala for wing positions, Wilson's opportunities have dwindled; he has played only six games this season after 10 in 2024.
Regarding Turpin, he has played 82 games throughout his career, with 60 of those at the Broncos between 2018 and 2022. He joined the Roosters and made 15 appearances in 2023, but with only seven games for the Bulldogs since 2024 and just three in first-grade for 2025, his role remains limited.
Despite being competent players, both Wilson and Turpin have struggled to secure consistent playing time at Canterbury. As such, fans are left to wonder about their potential contributions to Manly. One fan noted, "I love Blake Wilson but if there's one position Manly don't need it's outside backs." Another echoed, "Manly, stacked with outside backs and fringe hookers, but desperately needing middles, go and sign an outside back and fringe hooker."
Supporters argue that the club's focus should be on strengthening their middle forwards and securing a more proficient hooker. However, it appears the current management does not prioritize these positions, causing a rift between fan expectations and the club's transfer strategy.