The Warriors have dropped a bombshell signing with Golden Boot winner and three-time Penrith premiership star James Fisher-Harris to join the club in 2025 after being granted an early release from his contract with the Panthers for compassionate reasons.
The New Zealand captain is one of the best forwards in the world and played a key role in the Kiwis’ 30-0 victory over Australia in the Pacific Championship last year.
Fisher-Harris told Penrith officials this week that he wanted to return home to be closer to his family and the club agreed to release him from the final two years of his contract.
“Fish has been exceptional for the Panthers, both on and off the field,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.
‘The leadership and cultural impact he has demonstrated since starting first grade has been outstanding. He has evolved into one of the elite players in the game and coaching him has been a pleasure.
“While we would have loved him to stay with the Panthers, we wish him, his partner Natalie and his children Tahira and Deon all the best for their next chapter.”
Fisher-Harris (pictured) returns to her native New Zealand on compassionate grounds
The powerful prop (pictured in action against Melbourne in the first round this year) will be a big loss for the Panthers.
The four-year deal is huge for the Warriors, who will lose powerful prop Addin Fonua-Blake to the Sharks at the end of the season.
Fisher-Harris worked under Warriors coach Andrew Webster while he was an assistant at Penrith, and the Whangarei Marist Brothers junior will be an important addition next year who will help them enormously on and off the field.
“He’s one of the elite players in the game, a super tough forward who sets and demands the highest standards,” Webster said.
‘It’s going to be fantastic to have James with us. He is one of football’s elite players, a super tough striker who sets and demands the highest standards.
“I loved working with him at the Panthers and we are looking forward to adding him to our system starting next season. He will add tremendous value to our squad, the club as a whole and will also be invaluable as a mentor to our rising young players.” .
Fisher-Harris (second from right), 28, is at his best as a front liner.
Harris is pictured aged 17 while playing for the Northern Swords, a representative team from New Zealand’s North Island, before Penrith recruited him as a cadet.
Fisher-Harris made his NRL debut in 2016 and was seen as one of its main stars that the club could build around while other players were excluded due to the salary cap.
The Panthers will now have money to upgrade other players, but will need to start looking for a quality center given they also lost Spencer Leniu last year.
“James has been a tremendous asset to the Panthers and, as a senior player, has been a true reflection of a team that strives to be a source of community pride,” said Panthers rugby league chief executive Matt Cameron.
‘Joining the club as an 18-year-old, he has become a world-class player, captain of his nation and leader of men. “His impact on our club culture has been truly exceptional.”
“We look forward to seeing James represent the Panthers for the remainder of the 2024 season and, out of respect for all parties, both James and the club will refrain from further comment at this time.”