The Canberra Raiders have announced Jamal Fogarty as the club's vice-captain for the 2024 season.
Elliott Whitehead will remain as the club captain, after club co-captain Jarrod Croker retired at the end of the 2023 season.
Fogarty has been one of the Raiders’ most consistent players and has become a real leader since joining the club in 2022, playing 39 matches since making his Raiders debut mid-way through his first season.
His on-field role as halfback played part in the decision to have him as Whitehead's deputy, as Fogarty will be the perfect player to take over the on-field captaincy if Whitehead is replaced during a match.
Fogarty was humbled to be promoted to vice captain but believes it won't change his role within the team.
"Obviously, I'm super honored to be in this position. But I also have to understand that my role doesn't really change. I've still got to be the main talker within the team and if I can knuckle down and keep doing my part then we can have a better season," Fogarty said.
Match: Raiders v Cowboys
Round 2 -
home Team
Raiders
3rd Position
away Team
Cowboys
13th Position
Venue: Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan
Whitehead was excited to be leading alongside Fogarty and particularly touched on his presence this preseason.
"It's something Ricky and I spoke about, and we both thought Jamal was the right person to step up and take that role. Being the halfback, he has to have the voice on the field as well. I'm looking forward to leading the team with him," Whitehead said.
"He's a big presence around the place at the moment and he's got a big voice. So, giving him that role to help me lead the team around is going to be helpful for us."
