Manly Sea Eagles have reportedly initiated their search for a halfback to succeed Daly Cherry-Evans, with Canberra Raiders’ Jamal Fogarty emerging as a potential target. According to Michael Chammas from 9News Sydney, the interest in Fogarty has been ongoing since last November.
Fogarty holds a mutual option in his existing contract with the Raiders for the upcoming season, which is valued at around $650,000. Manly has earmarked him as the ideal partner for Luke Brooks in anticipation of Cherry-Evans’ departure. However, this plan is complicated by the fact that the Raiders may activate their option by the sixth round of the NRL season. If they choose not to do so, Fogarty will enter free agency and Manly would be positioned to engage in official discussions.
At 31, Fogarty is approaching his prime, having started the current season strongly for the Raiders. Nonetheless, Canberra has young players Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders, who are seen as long-term prospects for their halves. Strange has been Fogarty’s partner since his arrival at the club last year, while Sanders transitioned from Parramatta during the off-season.
Last year, Fogarty’s management sought permission to explore opportunities with other teams, but the Raiders declined the request. Following round five, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart plans to travel to Queensland to address Fogarty’s future with his agent, Chris Orr.
As of now, neither the Sea Eagles nor the Raiders have formally commented on the ongoing discussions.