Jamal Fogarty Set to Join Manly Sea Eagles in 2026: Raiders Stunned by Key Departure

In a stunning blow to the Canberra Raiders, star halfback Jamal Fogarty has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the 2025 NRL season. The 31-year-old playmaker has signed a lucrative three-year deal worth approximately $2 million with the Manly Sea Eagles, beginning in 2026.

This marks a pivotal moment for both clubs — one losing a proven leader, and the other preparing to replace a legend.

A Leadership Loss for Canberra

After joining the Raiders in 2022, Jamal Fogarty quickly became a central figure in their lineup. Known for his cool-headed leadership and tactical control on the field, he helped guide the team through three competitive seasons. Fogarty’s departure will leave a significant gap in the Raiders' halves, especially as the team eyes a return to the top tier of the NRL ladder.

Raiders CEO Don Furner confirmed the news on Tuesday, saying, “We wish Jamal all the best” while acknowledging the club’s unsuccessful attempt to retain him. Canberra reportedly tabled a two-year offer worth around $1.3 million, but it was the Sea Eagles’ three-year commitment that sealed Fogarty’s decision.

A Strategic Move by the Sea Eagles

The Manly Sea Eagles are preparing for the end of an era, with the legendary Daly Cherry-Evans set to depart at the end of 2025. While Cherry-Evans remains a fixture in both the NRL and the Queensland State of Origin side, the club has begun shaping the next phase of its future — and Jamal Fogarty is a key piece of that plan.

Sea Eagles management saw in Fogarty not only a capable replacement but also a mentor for younger halves like Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large, who are still finding their feet at the top level. Fogarty’s experience and composed play style offer the ideal balance as Manly seeks to remain competitive during this transitional period.

Canberra’s Next Chapter

Though disappointed, the Raiders are already preparing for life after Fogarty. Rising star Ethan Sanders, just 20 years old, has shown glimpses of brilliance in the early rounds of 2025. The club is also eyeing reinforcements, including potential moves for Canterbury's Toby Sexton and the Roosters' Sandon Smith.

Both young talents are seen as promising additions to bolster Canberra’s depth in the halves, ensuring the team remains in strong contention even as they rework their spine.

NRL Experts React: “Fogarty Is the Glue”

The announcement has stirred debate in NRL circles, with former Sharks captain and commentator Paul Gallen among those surprised by the Raiders’ inability to retain Fogarty.

Speaking on Channel Nine’s Today Show, Gallen said: “I’d be shocked if Canberra let him go. Fogarty is the glue that sticks that backline together.” Gallen went on to praise the Raiders’ squad construction, comparing it to the Sharks’ 2016 premiership-winning team and emphasizing the importance of Fogarty's role.

His view is shared by many fans, who have watched Fogarty guide the Raiders with consistent skill and professionalism. Losing such a leader so close to a potential premiership run is a tough pill to swallow.

A Smart Career Finish by Fogarty

At 31, Jamal Fogarty is entering the final phase of his NRL career, and the decision to join Manly represents both a fresh opportunity and a strategic move. Living and playing by the ocean, mentoring younger stars, and replacing one of the game’s all-time greats — it’s a fitting way to close out a solid NRL career.

He may no longer wear green, but Fogarty’s impact on the Raiders will be long remembered. Meanwhile, Manly fans will be hoping he can bring the same magic to Brookvale Oval that he did in the nation’s capital.  Video: Unidentified men attack Rajab Butt in London  Watch the full video here