EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater explains 'tricky situation' facing Raiders as Jamal Fogarty linked with exit

The uncertainty in the nation's capital surrounding Jamal Fogarty has become a "tricky situation" for the Raiders, who could lose their experienced halfback next year.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to the Sea Eagles in recent weeks and only heated up further this past weekend when coach Ricky Stuart made public comments about potential tampering before the playmaker was technically available to rival clubs.

Fogarty had an option in his deal at Canberra for 2026 which needed to be enacted by the end of round six, which did not happen, prompting links with Manly.

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While chief executive Tony Mestrov denied any contact had been made with Fogarty, all signs point towards him leaving the Raiders and replacing Daly Cherry-Evans.

Stuart has repeatedly expressed his desire to keep Fogarty for a further season, but job security with another NRL team long-term could be too good to refuse.

It's a balancing act for both the club and player according to Billy Slater, with a rather clear "succession plan" in place for whether Fogarty leaves in 2026 or later.

"It's a tricky situation," he said on Nine's Billy Slater Podcast.

"Canberra have obviously got a succession plan, especially for their key positions. They have gone out, bought and helped develop some of the best young talent in the country.

"Ethan Sanders is looking at playing halfback long-term for the Raiders and the young Queenslander [hooker Owen Pattie] coming off the bench.

"They are doing a really good job in looking to the future and they've been really honest with their players. Jamal Fogarty knows exactly the situation that he's in."

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Fogarty is in the prime of his career right now and has started the season in strong form for Canberra, but the likes of Sanders and Ethan Strange are already signed long-term.

The situation is expected to come to a head soon and Slater admits it could see Fogarty "forced" to leave the Green Machine.

"Does he stay at Canberra for one year for a little bit less money, or does he look to have a bit of security for his family long-term? He's a wonderful player and there's not a whole heap of halfbacks out there that are controlling like him," Slater explained.

"He's got a great kicking game and if you've got quality around him, he would be a wonderful pick-up. It's a really tough decision and only one you can make personally.

"I think it's gonna be sooner rather than later and I've heard maybe even this week we will find out what Jamal Fogarty is going to do.

"I'm sure he doesn't want to leave - but through some situations, it might be forced."