Jamal Fogarty has shared that he experienced a restless night before informing Raiders coach Ricky Stuart about his decision to leave the club at the end of the season. The 31-year-old recently confirmed a three-year contract with the Sea Eagles, rumoured to be worth around $2 million. Fogarty will take over as halfback for Manly following the departure of captain Daly Cherry-Evans in 2026.
Prior to making his announcement public, Fogarty felt a sense of duty to speak with Stuart directly. He expressed his feelings of anxiety surrounding the conversation, noting, “I didn’t really get to sleep… just kept waking up, thinking about it.” He approached Stuart the following Tuesday morning to ensure he was the first to hear the news. Stuart’s response was supportive, encouraging Fogarty by saying he would be “an idiot if you don’t take it.”
Although Stuart was eager to keep Fogarty for another season, the lucrative offer and the security of a long-term contract proved too enticing to turn down. As he prepares to join his new team, Fogarty looks forward to partnering with Luke Brooks and believes he still has a significant amount of football ahead of him.
Reflecting on his growth as a player, the Canberra halfback acknowledged the improvement in his football intelligence and confidence since joining the Titans. Unlike his earlier days, when he feared making mistakes that might cost him his position, he now feels secure in his abilities and is focused on contributing positively to his new team: “The more I can keep being Jamal Fogarty, it’s gonna be better for the team.”
Currently, the Raiders occupy second place on the NRL ladder after nine rounds and are set to face the Bulldogs, the only team above them, in their upcoming match.