Why Fogarty finds DCE comparison "disrespectful"

Manly's latest signing Jamal Fogarty, has officially entered preseason with the Sea-Eagles, making clear his self-expectations as he adjusts his game to slide into position at the new club.

The former Canberra local has recently made the move to a sunnier part of the country, signing with the Sea-Eagles for the 2026 season after a three-year tenure with the Raiders.

Manly will be his third NRL club that he's played for but the halfback has admitted that it's taken a bit of time to adjust, but he's enjoying his time with the Northern Beaches club.

“Coming into pre-season this year looks a little bit different,” the 295-gamer told Jarrod Croker on SEN Sportsday.

“At a new club you’ve got to build new relationships, learn different structures and systems, how the team works around defence and attack. Even the regular scheduling is a lot different to what I’m used to."

“It has taken a little bit to adjust, but it is a great bunch of fellas I get to train with every day, and the coaching staff are great. It’s been a super enjoyable first couple of weeks.”

Following the departure of the all time games leader at Manly in Daly Cherry-Evans, expectations for the newcomer to fill his shoes have been rampant.

Clapping back at those who are hyper focused on comparison, Fogarty told Croker “I think it’s, in a way, disrespectful to compare me to him. His ability to play off the cuff and see things before they unfold, and take full advantage of that, is why he’s one of the best in the game.”

“I’m just a guy who is lucky enough to play this game as a job.”

“Lots of people are looking at me to fill his shoes, but I’m Jamal Fogarty and I’m going to play my style of football. I’m going to be myself and bring a different style of football.”

“I’m a bit more structured in how I go about my business, and of course I will be compared to him, but I am just going to be myself. I know what I can bring to the team, and also what I’ve got to work on.”

Whilst not having the same amount experience as Cherry-Evans, Fogarty still brings experience to Manly's spine as he looks to help unlock a more "freestyle range" of football.

“I think they are looking to me for some structure, to allow the other players to have a more freestyle range of football – (Manly) have some pretty handy players.”

The first look into the new-style Sea-Eagles side will take place on March 7 at Brookvale Oval, where Fogarty will take on his former side in the Canberra Raiders which he admits will feel "super weird".

“Coming up against the Raiders in Round 1, it will be good to get it out of the way, and then I can get on with my season. It’ll be super weird coming up against some of my best mates and old teammates, so it’ll be good to get it out of the way nice and early.”