Coach Ricky Stuart has acknowledged that Canberra cannot match Manly’s high offer for Jamal Fogarty, but he still hopes to have a chance to persuade his star halfback to stay with the Raiders. The 31-year-old is rumored to be close to signing a three-year contract worth $2.1 million with Manly, who must replace departing captain Daly Cherry-Evans at the end of the season. Canberra has only offered a two-year deal, which would allow for the development of young playmakers Ethan Sanders, Adam Cook, and Ethan Strange. Stuart was disappointed that Canberra was never able to present their own offer, as Fogarty’s manager Tas Bartlett had to cancel a weekend meeting due to illness.
The seasoned coach stated that while he could see why Fogarty might accept the Sea Eagles’ offer, he would “love to have him” if it didn’t go through.
Stuart told SEN radio on Thursday, “Jamal should accept that deal if it’s genuine – three years at $700,000 – I’d love to keep him but we can’t match that.”
“Jamal will be 32 at the end of the year, so if he is granted three years, he must accept it. As I have stated throughout, he must take care of his young family, but I would really want to have him stay for an additional two years.
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