In a major move for the Canberra Raiders, 31-year-old half-back Jamal Fogarty has confirmed he will be departing the club at the end of the 2025 season to join the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on a multi-year deal.
Originally arriving in Canberra in 2022, Fogarty has flourished under coach Ricky Stuart and developed into a key player for the Raiders. The departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both player and club.
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Fogarty’s Journey: From Queensland Cup to Key Raiders Playmaker
Fogarty’s path to NRL success is unconventional. He spent several years in the Queensland Cup before becoming a regular first-grade player well into his 20s.
Upon arrival at Canberra, he took on major responsibility: orchestrating the attack, executing kicking games, and providing structure.
In the 2025 season he has arguably had his best year:
He’s been one of the most influential half-backs in terms of try assists and attacking kicks.
His long-range kicking (especially his “knuckle-ball bombs”) have become a signature weapon.
He has spoken openly about his ambition: “My goal coming here was to win a comp.”
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Why He’s Leaving: The Move to Manly
Several factors appear to have converged in this decision:
Contract and financial incentives: Manly reportedly offered a 3-year deal worth approximately A$2 million, which Canberra was apparently unable or unwilling to match in full.
Timing & career stage: At 31 and with many years behind him, Fogarty may have judged this his peak earning window. Former Raiders legend noticed the move was “cheap” value for Fogarty at what Manly offered.
Ambition & new challenge: With his time in Canberra culminating without a premiership (yet), Fogarty may feel the move gives him a fresh opportunity. He has noted the goal of winning has always been part of his journey.
Club dynamics: Canberra had the option to extend Fogarty’s contract for 2026 but reportedly declined to trigger it, which might have signalled to Fogarty the club’s stance.
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What It Means for the Raiders
The impact on the Raiders is significant:
Loss of an experienced playmaker: Fogarty has been not only the starting half-back but a calm, guiding influence for the younger players. His presence underpins the Raiders’ spine.
Transition mode begins: With Fogarty leaving, the Raiders will need to find or develop a replacement, or possibly restructure their spine. Media commentary suggests the club is already preparing for change.
Premiership window implications: The Raiders achieved the minor premiership in 2025 and looked like genuine contenders. The departure of their key half-back puts a question mark on how smoothly the momentum will carry into future seasons.
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What It Means for Fogarty and Manly
For Fogarty, the move to Manly represents a new chapter:
New leadership role: He is expected to succeed Daly Cherry‑Evans at Manly and take up the half-back mantle there.
Opportunity to chase the big prize: Perhaps seeing the Raiders window, Fogarty may believe the move gives him a better chance of contesting a premiership.
Legacy and final years: With his career in its later stages, the new deal gives stability and perhaps a chance to leave as a winner if things go well.
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The 2025 Season: Fogarty’s Impact & The Farewell Tour
Fogarty’s final season in Canberra has been eventful and emotionally charged:
He has been instrumental in the Raiders’ attack, with excellent statistical output.
The Raiders secured the minor premiership and looked poised for a deep run. Fogarty admitted the process under coach Stuart transformed his game.
However, in the finals, Canberra’s campaign ended in heartbreak: a 29-28 loss to the Brisbane Broncos in golden point, with Fogarty moments away from scoring a winning try before it was disallowed.
Emotionally, this felt like a farewell tour: knowing he is moving on, each game carried extra weight for Fogarty and the Raiders faithful.
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The Emotional Side & The Culture
Fogarty’s exit is not just a transactional business move; there’s a cultural element to it:
Many fans and commentators acknowledge that Fogarty arrived at the Raiders as an underdog, worked hard, and earned his place. His story resonates.
His relationship with coach Stuart and his impact on younger players have been noted. He has supported the development of up-and-coming Raiders talents.
For the club, the departure of a senior leader creates a vacuum in the locker room and on the field. Captains, coaches and supporters alike will feel his absence. In the club’s departure list, Fogarty was acknowledged for his 77 games, 468 points and 64% win rate with the Raiders.
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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Sides?
For the Raiders
Succession planning: Who takes over at half-back? Do they promote from within (younger half-backs) or recruit externally?
Maintaining momentum: With Fogarty gone, the challenge is to maintain the attacking structure and confidence that his presence helped facilitate.
Retaining squad strength: The club must ensure other departures don’t cascade into a drain on experience and talent.
For Fogarty & Manly
Team fit and adjustment: Moving clubs means adapting to new teammates, systems, and expectations. Fogarty will need to embed quickly.
Leadership expectations: As the half-back and a senior player, Fogarty will be looked to for leadership and guiding a potentially evolving Manly outfit.
Final push for premiership: As his playing years wind down, Fogarty may be extra motivated to claim that elusive title.
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Why This Title Matters
The term “superstar” is appropriate for Fogarty’s role with the Raiders:
He has been more than just a cog; he has driven significant parts of their attack and success.
For a club like the Raiders, which has historically relied on unorthodox paths, Fogarty’s story fits the narrative—the late bloomer who became a leader.
His departure signals one of the larger roster shifts the Raiders will experience in recent years.
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Final Thoughts
Jamal Fogarty’s departure from the Canberra Raiders is a major moment in the NRL landscape. It’s not simply a contract signing—it’s a changing of the guard. For the Raiders, it’s the end of a chapter that saw them rise through the ranks under Fogarty’s playmaking. For Fogarty, it’s a chance to chase one final goal and perhaps finish his career on a high.
While the move is “breaking news”, the story is one of evolution: club evolution, personal evolution, and the harsh realities of sport’s business side. The signal has gone out: Fogarty is moving on—and the question now becomes: how will both he and the Raiders write what comes next?
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