Canberra Raiders icon Jarrod Croker has thrown his considerable support behind young playmaker Ethan Sanders, tipping him to successfully assume the crucial halfback and goalkicking roles for the Green Machine in the upcoming 2026 NRL season.
A Smooth Transition for the No.7 Jersey
The former club captain, who remains the Raiders' all-time leading point-scorer, believes Ethan Sanders is the natural successor to Jamal Fogarty. Sanders, who served as Fogarty's understudy throughout the 2025 season with the 2026 campaign in mind, is poised to be given first crack at the coveted No.7 jersey.
Croker, speaking on SEN's Sportsday radio show alongside Mat Rogers on January 12, 2026, was effusive in his praise for the 21-year-old. "Sanders is a great talent," Croker stated. "He's a genuine seven. He's got a good kicking game. He's a strong defender and he's a really good kid. So he'll be fine."
A Call for Patience with a Rising Star
Despite his confidence, Croker issued a clear call for patience from the Raiders faithful. He emphasised that Sanders has only four NRL games to his name and will need time to grow into the pivotal role. "If there is a quiet day or a bad day let's just remember he's a 21-year-old kid replacing a really good halfback," Croker cautioned.
He highlighted that Sanders benefited immensely from a full season learning from Fogarty, understanding how to manage the team and unlock the talents of players like five-eighth Ethan Strange. "He's had 12 months under Jamal. He knows how Jamal ran the ship," Croker explained.
Goal-Kicking Duties in Safe Hands
Croker, who continues to work with the Raiders' kickers on a fly-in, fly-out basis, confirmed Sanders is his pick to take over the goal-kicking duties. He revealed the club is blessed with multiple options, including Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange, but expects the new halfback to get the nod.
"He's a really good goalkicker," Croker said of Sanders. He also offered intriguing insight into young backup Coby Black, noting, "I've had a few sessions with him and he's a really good goalkicker, too. He's got a lot of Adam Reynolds about him in the way he goal kicks."
Fogarty's Legacy and Manly Move
While backing the new generation, Croker paid tribute to the departing Jamal Fogarty, who has joined the Manly Sea Eagles. He likened Fogarty's off-field community impact to that of revered former Raider Alan Tongue, calling him "one of the most connected people in the community."
Croker, who will also continue working with Fogarty at his new club, tipped the experienced halfback to be a major asset for Manly. "He's gonna be a very big asset for Manly, with Luke Brooks and Tom Trbojevic there he's going to unlock them," he predicted, drawing parallels to Fogarty's successful partnership with Weekes and Strange in Canberra.
As the Raiders prepare for a new era, the endorsement from a club legend like Jarrod Croker provides a significant vote of confidence in their young playmaker, setting the stage for an intriguing 2026 NRL season.
