The Canberra Raiders head into the 2026 NRL season with one burning question dominating pre-season discussions: how will young halfback Ethan Sanders handle the immense responsibility of replacing the departed Jamal Fogarty?
The Fogarty Void: A Kicking Game to Replace
Jamal Fogarty's move to the Manly Sea Eagles has left a significant hole in the Green Machine's lineup, particularly in the kicking department. The data from the 2025 season underscores the challenge. Fogarty, the 2025 NRL minor premier's halfback, possessed a super boot that was second only to Penrith's Nathan Cleary for total kick metres, averaging a massive 488 metres per game. He also forced 21 line dropouts, a key weapon for building pressure.
This is the primary gap 21-year-old Ethan Sanders is tasked with filling. Sanders, who was specifically recruited with this long-term succession plan in mind, has only four NRL games to his name. His combined statistics from two NRL appearances and 19 NSW Cup games in 2025 show an average of 169.5 kick metres and four forced dropouts. However, this figure is skewed as Adam Cook handled most kicking duties in reserve grade. When Sanders took the reins in his NRL outings, his average jumped to 328 metres per game.
"That's the big question, isn't it? With an experienced and respected half going," admitted Raiders chairman Dennis Richardson. "However, the coaching staff have always had a lot of confidence and faith in Ethan Sanders."
Sanders, Strange and Black: The Youth Movement
The Raiders are doubling down on coach Ricky Stuart's youth-focused strategy. Sanders is not alone in this new era. He will partner in the halves with boom five-eighth Ethan Strange, with whom he has a proven combination from their time together in the NSW under-19 State of Origin team in 2023.
Stuart has also recruited 19-year-old Queensland halfback Coby Black as a backup option, continuing the club's policy of targeting the best young talent. While Black's Queensland Cup stats also suggest a drop-off in kicking distance from Fogarty's level, both he and Sanders offer a more potent running threat. Black also posted strong defensive numbers at the Cup level.
The goal-kicking duties, which Fogarty handled at an 80.7% success rate, are also up for grabs. Fogarty himself has tipped Strange to take over, provided he improves his technique.
Building on a Surprise 2025 Campaign
The Raiders' faith in youth paid dividends faster than expected in 2025, winning 19 games and claiming the minor premiership before a controversial finals exit. The success translated into strong fan support, with five sell-out crowds and an average home attendance of 16,769 at Canberra Stadium—their second-highest average ever at Bruce.
Stuart's contract was extended through to the end of 2030 to provide stability for this long-term plan. The club has added experience around its young stars, signing utility Daine Laurie, hooker Jayden Brailey, Black, and outside back Sione Finau to bolster squad depth.
Richardson firmly backed the coach and the direction. "The decision to extend him, 12 months down the track, it'd be difficult to disagree with it," he said. "The guy is simply a good coach. If you've got a good coach, you keep them."
The bar is now set high for 2026. The challenge for Ethan Sanders and the Raiders' next generation is clear: prove that the club's investment in youth can sustain success and overcome the loss of a key playmaker.
