Congratulations to Jamal Fogarty on being nominated for this year's Ken Stephen Medal in recognition for his outstanding work in the community in just his first season at the Club.
Jamal, and nominees from every NRL club, have been acknowledged with selection in the 2026 NRL Community Team of the Year, for going above and beyond in their commitment to volunteering.
The Community Team of the Year for 2026 is:
Blake Mozer (Brisbane Broncos), Xavier Savage (Canberra Raiders), Viliame Kikau (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Thomas Hazelton (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Jack Bostock (Dolphins), Jamal Fogarty (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Ativalu Lisati (Melbourne Storm), Phoenix Crossland (Newcastle Knights), Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Addo Carr (Parramatta Eels), Mitch Kenny (Penrith Panthers), Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Dylan Egan (St George Illawarra Dragons), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Erin Clark (Warriors), Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers)
Jamal Fogarty – Junior Club: Beaudesert Kingfishers
Jamal consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting others through his generosity, compassion and willingness to give his time beyond his football commitments.
From the moment he arrived at the Sea Eagles in November last year, Jamal eagerly immersed himself in the community, as he and his young family adapted to a new life on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
His impact is reflected in the meaningful connections he builds with community members and families who are facing difficult circumstances.
After learning of a young Sea Eagles fan, Cam, who was battling DIPG, Jamal personally visited him in hospital alongside club representatives, spending valuable time with Cam and his family.
He later helped create special game-day memories by welcoming Cam’s family to a Sea Eagles match and has remained in regular contact, providing ongoing support and encouragement.
Jamal also played an important role in the club’s Multicultural Evening, proudly sharing and celebrating his Indigenous culture with players and staff. At community clinics, he is known for taking extra time to engage with fans, ensuring everyone feels valued. His commitment to making a difference extends to charitable initiatives, where he consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for others.
The 2026 Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year presented by Westpac, recognises the genuine contributions an NRL player has made not only on the field, but their positive impact in their local community.
The winner of the fan vote will come away with $1000 to give back to their junior rugby league club.
The Ken Stephen Medal - Man of the Year will be announced in grand final week alongside the Veronica White Medal - Woman of the Year.
