Manly are edging nearer to securing Jamal Fogarty as a potential successor for Daly Cherry-Evans, with Canberra not expected to stand in the way of the halfback’s transfer.
The Raiders must decide by the end of this weekend whether to activate an option in Fogarty's deal to keep him with the team through the end of 2026.
However, this now seems improbable, which means the 31-year-old will become a free agent come Monday and can contemplate signing a two-year contract with the Sea Eagles.
Ricky Stuart, who coaches Canberra, plans to meet with Fogarty’s representatives when he is on the Gold Coast next week to discuss the half-back’s future.
Canberra might bring him back into the fold following these discussions, offering him a new contract instead of extending his present agreement.
However, the Raiders have expressed that they would be willing to step aside if Fogarty manages to negotiate a more extended two-year contract with another club, as this is something their own team probably won’t provide.
This move would allow Fogarty to team up with Brooks at Manly starting next year, following Cherry-Evans' statement that 2025 will mark his final season with the Sea Eagles.
Brooks stated in Perth on Wednesday that he was ready to take up the role of halfback for the upcoming year. However, he wasn’t going to expend any effort concerning 2026 at this juncture.
"If that holds true, I think I’ll be prepared," Brooks stated.
I have primarily played as a halfback throughout my entire career, so this wouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary for me.
To tell you the truth, I haven't put much thought into it. Those concerns belong to next year. Right now, my focus has been solely on our plans for this year.
Aside from Fogarty, Manly could also consider moving Tom Trbojevic to the five-eighth position, since teenager Joey Walsh is still expected to take a few more years before he can handle first-grade duties.
Brooks thinks Trbojevic possesses the capability to take on the No. 6 jersey if needed, which would have otherwise made Lehi Hopoate the permanent fullback.
Last week, Manly suffered a 48-24 defeat against Melbourne, prompting speculation about whether the announcement of Cherry-Evan's upcoming exit might have disrupted the team dynamic.
However, Brooks mentioned that even though Cherry-Evans' choice was unexpected, everyone had moved forward, considering it simply a normal part of life in the NRL.
"Players joining and leaving teams happen frequently nowadays in the league, so one might get accustomed to such changes," Brooks mentioned.
It’s quite distinct when it comes to someone like 'Chez,' who has been with the club for such an extended period, and one might assume he’d spend his entire career here.
At first, it was quite surprising, but now the entire squad has adapted, and our sole focus is on this week’s match.
Manly winger Haumole Olakau'atu stated that his connection with Cherry-Evans had not been impacted by the recent information.
"Everything remains the same," stated Olakau'atu, set to reach his 100-game mark this Saturday.
Chez is completely dedicated to his position at Manly. Ultimately, he remains my teammate and my friend, with no alterations in our relationship.
Manly sits at number six on the leaderboard with a 3-2 record before their match against Cronulla this Saturday, and Olakau'atu hopes to help send Cherry-Evans out in grand fashion with an aim for the 2025 NRL championship.
"It would signify a great deal to both him and his family, and I genuinely hope we can make this happen for him — ideally concluding things on a positive note," Olakau'atu stated.