Jamal Fogarty wanted to stay in Canberra. But a declined club option and a longer, richer offer from Manly rerouted his career — making him the Sea Eagles’ new halfback for 2026 on a three-year deal worth close to $2.1 million.

Born: 13 December 1993 ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Position: Halfback ·
Current team: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (2026–) ·
Previous team: Canberra Raiders (2022–2025) ·
Contract: Signed with Manly for 2026 season

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of children
  • Exact salary figures (estimates range)
  • Specific religious affiliation
  • Names of his parents
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Fogarty will wear the No.7 jersey for Manly in the (NRL.com)
  • He replaces long-time halfback Daly Cherry-Evans (NRL.com)

Seven facts, one pattern: every line of Fogarty’s bio — from birth date to contract clause — tells a story of a journeyman halfback hitting a career inflection point at age 31.

Here are the key biographical details at a glance.

Label Value
Full name Jamal Fogarty
Date of birth
Age 31 (as of 2025)
Nationality Australian
Position Halfback
Current club Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Previous club Canberra Raiders (2022–2025)

Why did Jamal Fogarty leave the Raiders?

Fogarty’s departure from Canberra was not a clean break. The Raiders held a $650,000 club option for his 2026 season, and Fogarty had a player option he could activate by round 20 to stay (The Sydney Morning Herald). Instead, both options lapsed after the Raiders declined to exercise their side and Manly entered the picture.

Fogarty’s statement on leaving the Raiders

  • Fogarty said he was “pretty gutted to be leaving” Canberra, per the club’s announcement (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
  • The veteran halfback had spent four seasons in the nation’s capital (NRL.com)

Official reason for the transfer

Manly confirmed the signing on , describing Fogarty as “an experienced halfback” who would join the club at the end of the season (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles). ESPN reported that Fogarty told Raiders coach Ricky Stuart he would leave at year’s end. The Raiders then upped their offer to two years, but Manly countered with three seasons (The Canberra Times).

The catch

Fogarty wanted to stay in Canberra. But the combination of a declined club option and a longer offer from Manly made the choice financial and forward-looking — he traded familiarity for job security.

How much does Jamal Fogarty earn?

Exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed, but multiple media outlets have reported a consistent range. The implication: Fogarty landed a deal that nearly doubled his previous estimated earnings.

Contract details with Manly

  • Three-year deal valued at close to $2.1 million, per AAP via ESPN and The Canberra Times
  • SEN reported about $700,000 per season
  • The deal makes him Manly’s likely long-term replacement for Daly Cherry-Evans at halfback

Salary history with the Raiders

The Raiders had a $650,000 club option for 2026, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, suggesting his previous deal was in that vicinity. The Manly contract represents a clear financial upgrade — roughly $700,000 annually vs. the $650,000 option that Canberra declined.

The upshot

For the Manly front office, paying $700,000 a season for a 32-year-old halfback (by season start) is a calculated gamble: short-term experience to steady the spine while younger talent develops.

Who is Jamal Fogarty’s wife and children?

Fogarty keeps his family life relatively private, but public records and media reports confirm he is married with children. The exact number of children has not been disclosed by the player or his club.

Marriage and family

  • Fogarty is married, and his family moved with him to Sydney for the Manly move (The Sydney Morning Herald)
  • He has children, though the number is unconfirmed from official sources
  • His Instagram and public appearances show a family-oriented lifestyle

How many children does Jamal Fogarty have?

No definitive source lists a specific number. The What’s unclear section above flags this as an unresolved detail — fans and media have not pressed for clarification.

The pattern: Fogarty’s family is a motivating factor in his career decisions, but he intentionally keeps those details outside the spotlight. For the Raiders faithful, that privacy reinforces his reputation as a professional who lets his play do the talking.

Timeline: Jamal Fogarty’s career moves

  • – Born
  • – Signed with Canberra Raiders from Gold Coast Titans
  • – Played four seasons for the Raiders
  • – Reports emerge of Manly interest (The Sydney Morning Herald)
  • – Manly announces three-year deal (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
  • – Debuts for Manly in NRL season (NRL.com)

Clarity check: what we know vs. what remains open

Confirmed facts

  • Australian rugby league footballer
  • Left Raiders after 2025 season
  • Joined Manly for 2026 on three-year deal
  • Married with children
  • Born 13 December 1993
  • Halfback by position

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of children
  • Exact salary (estimates range $2.1M/3yr)
  • Specific religious affiliation
  • Names of parents
What to watch

Fogarty’s injury history at Canberra — he missed games in 2023 and 2024 — makes his durability the biggest unknown for a Manly side betting three years on a halfback north of 30.

“I’m pretty gutted to be leaving.”

— Jamal Fogarty, as quoted in the Manly Sea Eagles announcement (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

“We thank Jamal for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future.”

— Canberra Raiders club statement, via The Canberra Times

Fogarty’s move is more than a routine transfer. It’s a case study in how contract options, family geography, and a club’s willingness to pay can reroute a veteran’s career. For Manly fans, the arithmetic is straightforward: $700,000 a season for a steady halfback who delivers game management, or risk a long rebuild after Cherry-Evans. The club chose certainty. For the Raiders, the regret may linger — they had an option they chose not to exercise.

For a deeper look at the financial details behind his decision, check out Jamal Fogartys salary and move to Manly.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Jamal Fogarty leave the Raiders?

Fogarty left because the Raiders declined their $650,000 option for 2026, and Manly offered a three-year deal. He expressed disappointment about leaving but accepted the longer contract.

Is Jamal Fogarty joining Manly?

Yes, he signed a three-year contract with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles for the 2026 season, confirmed on 14 May 2025.

What position does Jamal Fogarty play?

Halfback (No.7 jersey).

How old is Jamal Fogarty?

Born 13 December 1993, he was 31 at the time of the Manly signing and turned 32 ahead of the 2026 season.

What is Jamal Fogarty’s nationality?

Australian.

Does Jamal Fogarty have children?

Yes, he is married with children. The exact number has not been publicly confirmed.

What is Jamal Fogarty’s salary?

His Manly contract is reported at close to $2.1 million over three years, equating to roughly $700,000 per season.

Has Jamal Fogarty been injured?

Yes, he missed games in the 2023 and 2024 NRL seasons due to various injuries, as documented in match reports.

Bottom line: Manly signed Jamal Fogarty for three years at about $700,000 per season, betting a 32-year-old halfback with a recent injury history will steady their spine. The Raiders allowed a player who wanted to stay to walk.

Editor’s note: This article was compiled from official club announcements, NRL.com statistics, and verified media reports. Salary figures are estimates from published sources and may not reflect exact contract terms.