Get ready for an intense rugby league showdown as Jamal Fogarty, the new Manly halfback, gears up to face his former team, the Raiders, for the first time. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially with the presence of Hudson Young, a renowned niggler and a star for the Raiders.
Fogarty, with a chuckle, recalls the moment he saw the NRL draw, knowing he'd be up against his old club in Round 1. Having spent four seasons in Canberra, he led the Raiders to the minor premiership in 2025 before taking on the challenging role of succeeding Daly Cherry-Evans, a Manly legend.
Now, he's set to face off against Hudson Young, a representative star for the Raiders, on the Sea Eagles' right edge. These two friends from their time in Canberra will put their friendship aside for this match, with Fogarty acknowledging Young's reputation for getting under his skin.
"I'm not one to chirp, but Hudson is known for his niggling tactics. He did it to me when we were teammates, so I expect it to be even more intense this weekend. It's something I'll have to manage, but I'm focused on playing my game and getting our season off to a strong start," Fogarty said.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold has named a full-strength side, with key players like Tom Trbojevic, the new captain, and his brother Jake Trbojevic, returning from a series of head knocks. Taniela Paseka and Haumole Olakau'atu, who missed most of 2025 due to injuries, will also add power to the forward pack.
Fogarty is one of many stars making their club debuts this round, following a record-breaking season opener in Las Vegas last week. The league is abuzz with anticipation for these new signings and their impact on their respective teams.
In other team news:
- Ethan Sanders, a young gun, gets his first shot at the Raiders No.7 jersey, aiming to fill Fogarty's shoes in the long term.
- David Fifita starts in the back-row for the Rabbitohs in his first game for the club. Ashton Ward takes the halfback role with Jamie Humphries suspended and Jonah Glover injured. Jayden Sullivan, recovering from an infection, is named on the bench.
- Bronson Garlick starts at dummy-half for South Sydney, with Brandon Smith out due to a calf injury. Peter Mamouzelos comes off the bench.
- Cory Paix starts at hooker for the Broncos, with Ben Hunt providing impact from the bench.
- Liam Martin misses Penrith's game against Brisbane as he manages a calf injury.
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starts at fullback for the Dolphins, leading an exciting backline that includes Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima.
Hudson Young, the edge forward, is eager to strike a balance between targeting his friend Fogarty and playing his natural game. He had an outstanding season in 2025, solidifying his place in the NSW side and contributing to the Kangaroos' Ashes clean sweep. However, he has a score to settle after the Raiders' loss to Manly last year, and he's determined to turn that result around this weekend.
"Jamal was a huge part of our team for many years. He's a great friend, and it'll be tough to play against him. But we'll treat him like any other opponent and make sure we come out on top," Young said.
This match at Brookvale promises to be a tough battle, with both teams eager to start the season on a high note. Will Fogarty and his new team get the better of his former club, or will Young and the Raiders exact their revenge? Find out this weekend!
