Fogarty in the eyes of Manly ahead of must-win clash
Sebastian Tan |
Sharp-shooter Reuben Garrick is keeping one eye on Jamal Fogarty as the architect of Manly’s next season threatens to deliver a hammer blow to their current one.
Last week’s loss to the Sydney Roosters means Manly will be two wins out of the top eight and in an uphill battle to play finals if they fall to Fogarty’s Canberra on Friday.
Fogarty has been the glue for the ladder-leaders in 2025, and Garrick said he will be one of the targets in his first clash against Manly since sgning on to become Daly Cherry-Evans’s replacement.
Garrick was careful not to wish ill upon his future halfback, but conceded it’d be ideal for Manly if he could have an off night in Canberra.
“It’ll help us, for sure. But you never wish battle for anyone, hopefully he brings his best game,” Garrick told reporters on Tuesday.
“We’ve got to be on our best game and hopefully try and nullify him again.
“He’s very structured and puts the ball in the right spots at the right time.
“This time of the year, you always must win. There’s a couple of sides to make the back end of the eight.”
Garrick said Manly did “put themselves on a pedestal” at the start of the season, but luck hasn’t been on their side.
The winger is also linked to a possible move to the Perth Bears after his contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.
However, he said he’s “pretty relaxed about it” and he’s “stoked” to be at Manly.
A player who is looking to get his signature inked for Manly’s future is Siua Taukeiaho as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The prop, who also flirted with a boxing career, has become one of the Sea Eagles’ main middles amid injuries to Josh Aloiai, Taniela Paseka and Nathan Brown.
After returning to the NRL in 2025, he said he’d been able to settle in well with Manly.
“I knew what to expect. It was more just the injuries that I had to try to manage as well. I feel like this comp has been able to help me with that,” he said.
“It’s a big job for us middles, especially up against a pack like what Canberra has.”
AAP
