Burleigh halfback Jamal Fogarty discusses his future amid talk he could be headed to Newcastle
IN a Bulletin exclusive, in-demand Burleigh Bears halfback Jamal Fogarty has opened up about his future amid speculation he could be headed to the Newcastle Knights.
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IN-demand halfback Jamal Fogarty remains open to an NRL switch but insists his focus is on Burleigh’s 2020 Intrust Super Cup defence after hosing down speculation he is bound for the Newcastle Knights.
A standout in the Bears’ ISC grand final win over Wynnum Manly last month and their heartbreaking NRL State Championship loss to Newtown a week later, Fogarty has revealed he held talks with the Knights in the wake of those performances but the two parties could not finalise a deal.
Having re-signed with Burleigh earlier this month, the newly-crowned ISC Player of the Year will now front for pre-season training at Pizzey Park in December and said the interest in his services would only take his game to new heights next year.
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“It’s always confidence-boosting to have clubs at that elite level (wanting to) have a nibble at you. I sort of got that boost that clubs are still out there looking for halves on the market and if I keep putting in good performances (an NRL offer) might come,” the 25-year-old said.
“That comes off the back of having a good season individually but also as a team at Burleigh. I consider my job fairly easy considering the players around me.
“After the Sydney grand final it started to get a little bit serious (with Newcastle) but it just didn’t pan out a couple of weeks after that. But I think all that (NRL interest) comes on the back of me just worrying about playing at Burleigh and the week-to-week job.
“If I start wishing it would come along and wish I was back in an NRL system I don’t think (those chances) would come so the focus is back on Burleigh and good week-to-week performances.”
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Having steered Burleigh to the 2016 ISC crown, Fogarty is now benefiting from the experiences already gained in the NRL system.
The Beaudesert junior spent part of the 2017 season with Parramatta before returning home and playing two NRL games for the Titans.
A father of girls aged five and three, Fogarty said his football development and increased maturity since that time would hold him in better stead should another NRL opportunity arise.
“I think being a half, the older you get the more mature you get, the more your game management comes along compared to being a young teenager or your first couple of years in Cup,” he said.
“So I definitely think time in the Intrust Super Cup and age and understanding what your role really is (develops). Your understanding of the game is definitely a lot bigger and smarter than when I was younger.
“I’ve got two little ones and one of them’s got to start school next year so that will definitely be a consideration with where we go and what we do if something was to pop up. It’s not just about me playing football, it’s also about giving them the best opportunity with where they’re going to be raised and what environment is going to suit them.”
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