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Sport Nation
Meninga: Why Fogarty may regret three-year deal
SEN • April 29th, 2025 4:59 pm
NRL Immortal Mal Meninga believes Jamal Fogarty may have made a mistake in signing a three-year deal with Manly.
The Canberra Raiders halfback informed the club he would be leaving at season’s end and heading to Brookvale as a replacement for Daly Cherry Evans.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Manly and Fogarty have agreed to terms on a $2 million deal over three years, but Meninga feels the move could be somewhat short-sighted on the player’s behalf.
“I’m disappointed for the club but I’m happy for Jamal,” Meninga told SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“A three-year contract and the money they’re talking about is exceptional and who would have thought half a dozen years ago that he’s earning $700k a year joining a club as a major play maker.
"So good on him he’s worked his butt off.
“(But) If I’m managing him or advising him - which I’m not - I would sign a two-year contract and telling him to back himself.
“Take the two years, 2026-27, and set himself up for the Bears or the PNG side.
“I think he would be great for the PNG side. He’s a Queenslander, he’s Indigenous, he’s an invaluable position and then you look at the money and the opportunity he would be silly not to have a look at it.
“PNG has a bad rap at times, but I can assure you if you’re playing league out there you will be walking around like a king.
“My advice would be let’s have a look at backing yourself and then see what opportunities arise from the Bears and PNG. There would be a bidding war for him, clubs want a game manager like him.”
While some may criticise Fogarty’s decision to leave the Raiders, Meninga insists there will be no hard feelings.
"You can't really criticise him for this,” he said. “I know he loves it down there and his family is settled but rugby league careers only last a certain time, and you’ve got to look after yourself.
“He wasn’t unloyal to the club he hasn’t broken a contract he’s looking after his post career. I imagine the club will wish him all the best and hopefully Manly get a great player for there years.”
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