This has been a thrilling week for Canberra Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty, 31! After months of speculation, he has made his switch to the Manly Sea Eagles for next season official. This decision comes after four successful years with the Raiders, where he played a crucial role in their recent win against the Melbourne Storm, scoring the game-winning penalty goal in extra time, leading to a 20-18 victory.
Fogarty said that leaving was a difficult decision to make. He tossed and turned through a night without sleep, before walking into coach Ricky Stuart’s office to end his own uncertainty. Through all of his emotional distress, he made sure to reiterate that he would be with the Raiders for the rest of the season.
“It was a really hard decision, to be honest,” Fogarty stated, reflecting on his time with Canberra. He reminded that the Raiders are now 20 games from the end of their season. He’s just convinced they’re on the verge of something unique and special.
Fogarty said he couldn’t have anticipated how far down the road they would be right now. He conceded that had someone told him at the start of pre-season that Saturday’s match would be a top-two clash, he would have struggled to believe it. “I probably would’ve thought you were kidding yourself to be honest, and I think everyone probably will agree with that comment,” he remarked.
Fogarty is looking forward to his 2024 move to Manly, which is underpinned by a two-million-dollar deal. On the field, he’s focused on delivering his best season yet for the Raiders. His contributions should not be understated, as his all-round forms were emphasized by his match-winning moment against Melbourne.
Ricky Stuart, to his credit, understood Fogarty’s thinking and said that he would be an “idiot” not to take up Manly’s offer.
“You’re an idiot if you don’t take it.” – Ricky Stuart
Fogarty praised his current team and their potential, stating, “We’ve got 20-odd games here at the Raiders and I think we’re building something special.” He commended the Dogs, expressing that they are currently “probably the best team in the comp at the minute.”
Inspiration for the league aside, as he moves through this transformational period, Fogarty’s first priority remains what he does on the field. He looked back on the weight of expectation he was under in Saturday’s game against Melbourne. “I had some shaky legs,” he confessed, though relief washed over the 24-year-old after scoring the golden goal.
