Canberra Raiders playmaker set to enter open market and ‘explore all options’; Super League-linked NRL utility to join new club
John Bateman of the Wests Tigers is tackled by Canberra Raiders half-back Jamal Fogarty during the NRL Round 23 match. Photo by AAP Image/Lukas Coch.
Canberra Raiders half-back Jamal Fogarty may test his worth on the open market from November 1 with his current contract set to expire at the end of next season.
Via The Daily Telegraph, manager Tas Bartlett says that the 29-year-old has received “expressions of interest” which could land a huge blow to the Raiders, with star man Jack Wighton set to join South Sydney Rabbitohs next season on a four-year deal.
Fogarty joined the capital side last season from the Gold Coast Titans.
Reports state that the Indigenous All Stars representative is keen to extend his stay with Canberra, with the club willing to extend his contract into 2025.
But Bartless told the publication that he could yet test his worth on the open market before making any official decision.
“I’ve had some expressions of interest in Jamal,” Bartlett told The Daily Telegraph.
“There’s no issue with Canberra. He rates Ricky as a coach.
“He is settled and enjoying his time at the Raiders, so if they tabled the right deal, he will certainly consider it, but we’ll explore all our options and see where it lands.”
Fogarty could reportedly command upwards of $700,000, with 78 NRL appearances to date.
Kurt Mann set to remain in NRL
Having been offered to Super League clubs for 2024, via Examiner Live, Kurt Mann looks set to remain in the NRL.
The 30-year-old current Newcastle Knights utility has been linked with a move to Canterbury Bulldogs with a reported two-year offer tabled.
Mann is without a contract for 2024, having featured 16 times this season for the Knights. He has previously featured for Melbourne Storm and St George Illawarra Dragons in his career with a total of 176 NRL appearances, scoring 45 tries.
As part of the club’s on-field revamp, general manager Phil Gould has also previously stated his interest in out-of-contract Sydney Roosters man Connor Watson, who was also previously linked with a move to England.
Penrith Panthers and Samoa superstar Stephen Crichton will join the Bulldogs next season alongside new recruits Blake Taaffe and Jaeman Salmon, while utility Jayden Okunbor will join Hull FC next season on a two-year contract.