In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL world and left the Canberra Raiders organisation scrambling for answers, halfback Jamal Fogarty has confirmed he will be departing the Raiders at the end of the current season to join another club. The announcement comes as a surprise to fans, teammates and officials alike — marking a dramatic turning point for both Fogarty’s career and the Raiders’ immediate future.
The Announcement
Reports suggest that Fogarty has signed a three-year deal worth approximately AUD $2 million to join the Manly Sea Eagles, beginning in the 2026 season.
According to sources, Fogarty officially informed Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart of his decision this week, confirming he will not exercise the option to stay with Canberra beyond the 2025 season.
Why This Is A Big Deal
Stability and Leadership Disruption: Fogarty isn’t just any player in Canberra — he has become a key part of the team’s spine. His departure leaves a significant vacuum at halfback.
Timing and Internal Impact: The news arrives mid-season, giving the Raiders little time to adjust as they battle in the finals push. It also raises questions about loyalty, future planning and the direction of the club.
Fan & Team Shock: Many inside the Raiders camp believed Fogarty would stay longer. The public nature of the announcement, combined with the financial details, has added to the drama.
Background: Fogarty’s Journey & Raiders Fit
Fogarty joined the Raiders in 2022 on a three-year deal after previous stints with the Gold Coast Titans.
He overcame injury early (missed half the 2022 season with a knee injury) to carve out a pivotal role at halfback.
In 2023, the Raiders rewarded his consistency and leadership by naming him vice-captain for the season.
He re-signed with the club late in 2023, extending his contract until the end of 2026 (with an option for 2026) — which makes this departure all the more unexpected.
What The Numbers & Reports Say
The deal with Manly is believed to be worth $2.1 million over three years.
Canberra reportedly offered a shorter extension (around two years) at a lower rate, which Fogarty declined.
Veteran commentator Billy Slater described the situation as “tricky” for the Raiders given their succession plan in the halves.
Inside the Raiders Camp: Reactions and Ramifications
Emotional Fallout: Within the Raiders locker room, the reaction has been one of surprise and disappointment. For a player who had publicly expressed his desire to remain at the club, the exit throws established relationships — with coaches, teammates and the community — into disarray.
Strategic Disruption: The Raiders will now need to accelerate their succession plan at halfback. Younger players such as Ethan Sanders and Ethan Strange (already signed long-term) will likely step into more prominent roles.
Fan Fallout: Supporters are wrestling with mixed emotions — appreciation for what Fogarty has contributed, but frustration over the timing and perceived inevitability of the move. Social media is alive with heated debate.
Why Fogarty Says He Left
From Fogarty’s own words and media reporting:
He felt the Raiders were unable to match the long-term security offered by Manly.
While he stated he was “gutted” to leave, he confessed that the deal was too good to turn down.
He emphasised that his focus, for now, remains entirely on delivering for the Raiders this season despite the looming transition.
The Big Picture: What This Means for the NRL & Manly
For Manly, this is a coup. They secure a proven halfback who can take on the role vacated by veteran Daly Cherry‑Evans — a monumental shift at Brookvale.
For the NRL landscape, this move signals the changing nature of player retention — even a club like the Raiders cannot always retain its spine if financial or contract security outweighs loyalty.
What Happens Next?
Raiders: They must now fast-track the development of their halfback options. The coaching staff will likely announce a internal plan soon.
Fogarty: He will play out the rest of the season at Canberra, but his mind is surely also on the transition, the move, and setting up at his new club.
Fans & Community: Expect official statements, perhaps a farewell tribute from the Raiders, and plenty of media analysis in the coming days.
In His Own Words
> “I’m pretty gutted to be leaving… I always wanted to stay and the club knew I wanted to stay. My agent rang the club three times during the pre-season to activate the one-year deal… unfortunately they just didn’t budge on their offer.” — Jamal Fogarty (on his Raiders exit)
Conclusion
What seemed like another normal season for the Canberra Raiders has now become one of transition, introspection and recalibration. For Jamal Fogarty, this announcement marks a bold new chapter — one that sees him move from being a key figure at Canberra to new beginnings at Manly. For the Raiders, it marks the end of a significant era in their halves and the start of a new one they must navigate without their on-field general.
NRL fans everywhere will be watching closely: will this be a move that propels the Sea Eagles forward? Will the Raiders recover quickly and re-establish stability in the halves? And how will Fogarty himself adjust as he begins a new phase of his career?
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