'You take that': Ricky Stuart's honest call as Manly chase halfback Jamal Fogarty
Ricky Stuart has revealed his conversation with Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty as his contract at the club remains a hot topic in rugby league circles.
Fogarty was linked with a move to the Sea Eagles this past week, with the club looking to replace the outgoing Daly Cherry-Evans for 2026 and beyond.
While there is an option for next year at Canberra that can be activated by round six, the 31-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on an extension.
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It's expected Raiders officials will speak with Fogarty's management in the next fortnight, but Stuart conceded a better offer may already be on the table at Manly.
"I spoke to Jamal this week, we haven't taken too much notice of the media because we had to prepare for a game of football," he told Fox League on Saturday.
Ricky Stuart has weighed in on Jamal Fogarty's contract. Getty
"To answer your question, I basically said 'if you have got a big deal out there that's going to be the best thing for Kahlia [his wife] and the girls, you take that but I want you at the club'. I don't know where they are with Manly at the moment.
"I'm not too concerned either. I'm trying to win a game of football."
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Canberra ultimately fell short hours after Stuart's comments, with North Queensland notching their first victory of the season.
Andrew Johns has publicly endorsed Manly's potential play for Fogarty, who could potentially earn close to $1 million per season if he hits the open market.
At this stage, the Sea Eagles have not publicly confirmed interest in the playmaker.
