As the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles prepare for their round one NRL showdown against the Canberra Raiders, all eyes are on new recruit Jamal Fogarty, who is set to face his former club just months after his high-profile signing. The veteran halfback’s move to Manly last May on a three-year contract came as a direct response to club legend Daly Cherry-Evans’ surprising announcement that he would depart after the 2025 season.
While comparisons to Cherry-Evans—Manly’s attacking linchpin for 15 years—continue to circulate, Fogarty has established his own identity from the outset. In December, he openly acknowledged Cherry-Evans’ legacy while asserting his determination to be ‘Jamal, not Daly.’ This philosophical approach has defined his transition into the famed maroon and white No. 7 jersey.
The upcoming match against Canberra carries significant personal meaning for Fogarty, who played a pivotal role in the Raiders’ 2023 minor premiership campaign during his four-year tenure. He expressed relief at facing his former teammates immediately rather than enduring prolonged media speculation throughout the season. Known for his reserved demeanor, Fogarty emphasized he prefers focusing on gameplay rather than engaging in pre-match banter or psychological warfare.
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has welcomed Fogarty’s structured playing style, noting distinct differences from Cherry-Evans’ approach while praising the halfback’s leadership qualities and pre-season integration. Fogarty already gained experience in Manly colors during a trial match against South Sydney in Mudgee, describing the transition from Canberra’s lime green as different yet familiar due to his background with similar colors in Queensland Cup.
Now partnering with five-eighth Luke Brooks, Fogarty aims to establish a complementary halves partnership that leverages Brooks’ running game while he assumes control of team organization. Despite pressure from emerging talents Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large, the 32-year-old playmaker remains focused on building cohesion and delivering results for his new club, beginning with Saturday night’s emotional encounter against his former Raiders teammates.