The Canberra Raiders are at a pivotal crossroads as they prepare for their NRL clash against the Cronulla Sharks this Thursday. This match could mark the last appearance of halfback Jamal Fogarty in a lime green jumper if the club opts not to activate a clause in his contract that would keep him in Canberra beyond this season. With the deadline looming, the Raiders face the prospect of losing the 31-year-old playmaker to free agency in 2026, a move that could significantly impact their season and future plans.
Fogarty, who has established himself as a vital component of the Raiders' attack since joining the club from the Gold Coast Titans in 2022, has showcased his skills as a reliable playmaker with a dangerous kicking game. His leadership was evident earlier this season when he captained the team in the absence of the suspended Joe Tapine. As the round-six deadline approaches, the Raiders must weigh their options carefully, especially given the scarcity of top-level halves on the market in the NRL.
Recent reports from the Sydney Morning Herald suggested that coach Ricky Stuart had been hesitant to engage in discussions with Fogarty's agent, Tas Bartlett. However, Stuart clarified on Wednesday that talks are still very much in progress. “I’ll sit down with them [Fogarty’s management] at the right time,” he told reporters. “We’re constantly having discussions with the guys that are off contract and we’ll get to an end point at some stage.” This comment indicates that the club is actively considering Fogarty's future, despite earlier speculation about the lack of communication.
As a player who has consistently delivered strong performances for the Raiders, Fogarty's potential departure would leave a significant gap in the squad. If he were to leave, the 20-year-old Ethan Strange would likely take over the reins as the team's primary playmaker, accompanied by promising rookie Ethan Sanders. The Raiders have invested in youth, and while they have talent waiting in the wings, losing a seasoned player like Fogarty could set them back in the competitive NRL landscape.
Adding to the intrigue is the interest from the Manly Sea Eagles, who are reportedly eyeing Fogarty as a replacement for their departing star, Daly Cherry-Evans. With Cherry-Evans set to leave at the end of the season, Manly is in desperate need of a reliable halfback, and Fogarty fits the bill perfectly. Stuart has acknowledged this interest but has made it clear that he wouldn’t stand in Fogarty’s way if a more lucrative offer came through. “I basically said, ‘If you have got a big deal out there mate that’s going to be the best thing for [your wife] Kahlia and the girls, you take that but I want you at the club,’” he explained to Fox Sports ahead of Canberra’s recent round-four loss to the North Queensland Cowboys.
For Raiders fans, the possibility of losing Fogarty is a bitter pill to swallow. His contributions have been invaluable, and he has become a fan favorite since his arrival. However, the club's focus on developing younger talent may indicate a shift in strategy. Ethan Sanders and Kaeo Weekes are poised to step up, but the transition from a seasoned player to a young duo is never easy.
Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles are also weighing their options should they miss out on Fogarty. Reports suggest that they may consider shifting Tom Trbojevic from fullback to five-eighth, allowing him to partner with Luke Brooks in the halves. This would be a significant change for Manly, which has relied on Trbojevic's explosive play at fullback for years. If this plan materializes, it could reshape the team's dynamics as they look to maintain competitiveness in the NRL.
As the clock ticks down to Thursday’s match, all eyes will be on Fogarty and the Raiders. Can they secure his future with a contract extension, or will they be forced to navigate a post-Fogarty era? The stakes are high, not just for Fogarty but for the entire Raiders organization as they aim to solidify their place in the league while fostering the next generation of talent.
The outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for the Raiders’ strategy moving forward. With the NRL season still in its early stages, the decisions made in the coming days will reverberate throughout the remainder of the campaign. Fans are left to wonder: will Jamal Fogarty remain a cornerstone of the Raiders, or will he don a different jersey next season? One thing is for sure, the upcoming clash against Cronulla is more than just another game; it’s a potential turning point for the Canberra Raiders.
