Jamal Fogarty has become the halfback Canberra needed, even if he doesn’t always feel like the most talented one at training.
The Raiders playmaker admits coach Ricky Stuart still has the natural touch when it comes to kicking and playmaking.
But after the best season of his career, Fogarty has no doubts about his own game heading into September.
With a premiership in sight, the 31-year-old is leading Canberra’s charge.
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Stuart’s influence
“Even at training now, he’ll tell me ‘grab the ball and kick it like this’ and he’ll do it perfect first go and I’ll be out there doing 10 reps and I still can’t get it right,” Fogarty said.
“Sometimes he might tip me up if I don’t do something well, but he’s not trying to coach me to be like him. He knows my strengths and encourages those things.”
Fogarty’s journey to this point has been unorthodox. He didn’t cement himself in the NRL until 26 and only played his 100th game this season, eight years after debuting.
Now, he’s produced more try assists than any other halfback in the finals and has given Canberra the balance between structure and unpredictability that makes them so dangerous.
Finding the balance
The Raiders have scored the third-most points in the competition this year, blending Fogarty’s control with the raw flair of Ethan Strange and Kaeo Weekes.
“We saw bits of it last year, this year we’re just seeing it more,” Fogarty said.
“When you’re fit and healthy those moments are going to show up more often and in previous years we definitely weren’t as fit as we are now.”
Attacking coach Justin Giteau has also played a key role, tailoring game plans to suit Fogarty’s style.
“He’s always asking me how I want to play, which plays are going to be good for me and what style to play,” Fogarty said.
“Having a coach give us that confidence and thinks so similar makes it easy for me to buy in.”
Weapon of choice
Fogarty’s kicking game has become Canberra’s key weapon.
He leads the league in kick metres and attacking kicks, with his floating bombs regularly creating chaos.
“Ricky backs me and encourages me to practice them at training, not just at the end of training but in scrimmage as well,” Fogarty said.
“Even if I shank it he goes ‘don’t worry about it, just get the next one’… it gives me confidence if we’re in the right field position I can throw them up.”
Finals focus
Fogarty is off to Manly next year on a four-year deal but insists there is unfinished business in Canberra.
This is his fourth finals campaign, and he’s determined to pass on his experience to the Raiders’ younger brigade.
“I tell all the kids who come into grade for their first game to just enjoy it, be yourself and have fun,” Fogarty said.
“When you do those things, you’re willing to do all the one-percenters better more often than not.”
The Raiders have already delivered a minor premiership. Now Fogarty has a chance to deliver the ultimate prize before he departs.