BEAUDESERT favourite son Jamal Fogarty will make tracks to the nation's capital in the NRL off-season after signing a three-year deal with the Canberra Raiders.
The former Beaudesert Kingfishers junior, who played 42 top level games for the Gold Coast Titans, said he was excited about the journey ahead.
"Obviously it is a lot different to our lifestyle now," he said. "We are actually looking forward to the winter because we will be able to drive 90 minutes from home to the snow which is pretty cool."
"I've had four players from the Raiders actually send me nice messages welcoming the family to Canberra and (they) offered to help our family relocate which I thought was awesome and shows the character of players at the club.
"I've had plenty of messages from the fans who are excited as well, which makes me feel welcomed."
Fogarty played almost 50 games for the Gold Coast Titans after making his debut in 2017.
He is looking forward to playing under coach Ricky Stuart, who was halfback during a period of dominance for the Green Machine during the late 80s and early 90s.
"He was so great at it all when he was a player and I just want to pick his brains," Fogarty said.
"I think Canberra struggled last year with different players having injuries and losing their main playmaker mid-season.
"They have a mature and experienced team with good staff. We just need to be fit all year and give ourselves the best chance to play finals in 2022."
Fogarty has never lived down the moment he was ankle-tapped by Queenland prop, and now teammate, Josh Papalii in 2020.
"I cop it from everyone to be honest, even strangers, so I'm just just used to it now," he said.
The Beaudesert flyer was tracked down by the hulking front-rower after making a 60-metre break in a game against Canberra.
It was one of the highlights of the 2020 season.
Read more local sport news here.
