Fogarty's Mentorship Eases Pressure on Young Raider Sanders
Ethan Sanders faces the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of minor premiership-winning halfback Jamal Fogarty, but the young Canberra Raiders playmaker is feeling remarkably calm about the challenge. The 21-year-old has revealed that Fogarty's generous mentorship during the off-season has been instrumental in easing the pressure of potentially taking over the Green Machine's reins.
Big Boots to Fill After Minor Premiership Success
With Fogarty joining Manly Sea Eagles during the off-season, Sanders emerges as the natural successor in the Raiders' No.7 jersey, though 19-year-old Coby Black remains the only other halfback in Canberra's 30-man squad. The departing Fogarty leaves significant shoes to fill after his booming right boot helped guide the Raiders to a drought-breaking minor premiership last season.
"Jamal was really good for me last year," Sanders acknowledged. "He could have been sour or tried to brush me aside since we were competing for positions, but instead he took me under his wing."
The young halfback detailed how Fogarty invested extra time working with him after training sessions, focusing particularly on kicking practice and additional video analysis. This supportive approach has helped Sanders maintain perspective about the scrutiny that inevitably comes with wearing the Raiders' No.7 jersey.
Position Still Up for Grabs Despite Expectations
While many observers have already pencilled Sanders into the starting halfback role for Canberra's season opener against Manly at Brookvale Oval on March 7, the young playmaker insists nothing has been decided yet. "I don't think any teams have been picked or anything yet," Sanders clarified. "There's still a lot of positions that are up for grabs, not just in the halves but across the outside backs too."
Sanders brings just four NRL games of experience to the competition for the starting role, having played two matches for the Raiders last season and two for Parramatta the previous year. One of those appearances included an impressive performance where he guided Canberra to a come-from-behind victory over the Sydney Roosters.
Meanwhile, Black joined the Raiders squad during the off-season on a three-year deal, though the former Brisbane Bronco is yet to make his NRL debut, having played just 21 Queensland Cup games for Souths Logan.
Developing Combination with Ethan Strange
If Sanders does secure the starting halfback position as expected, he'll likely line up alongside good friend Ethan Strange in the Raiders' halves combination. The pair have extensive history together, having played as juniors and both featuring in the NSW Blues under-19 State of Origin side back in 2023.
Sanders has noticed a significant development in Strange since the five-eighth returned from touring with the Kangaroos squad last year, despite Strange not making his Australian debut during the Ashes tour. "Stranger's come back with probably a more louder, dominant voice than he did before he left," Sanders observed. "We've just got to get him the ball in good positions. He's been really good."
The potential partnership would likely see Strange shifting to the right edge to accommodate Sanders' left-foot kicking game, though Sanders revealed he has also been training on the right side during pre-season preparations.
Pre-Season Challenge Approaches
The Raiders are currently progressing through the final stages of their pre-season training, with their first trial match scheduled against the Melbourne Storm at Seiffert Oval on February 13. This pre-season challenge will provide the first real opportunity to see how Canberra's new halves combination might function in game conditions.
Despite the external expectations and pressure that comes with potentially replacing a premiership-winning halfback, Sanders maintains a balanced perspective. "There's pressure for everyone that plays in the NRL," he reflected. "It's just trying to be better out on the field each day and hopefully you get results."
With Fogarty's mentorship providing a solid foundation and healthy competition driving improvement throughout the squad, the Raiders' playmaking future appears to be in capable hands as the new NRL season approaches.
