James Fisher-Harris is set to return home, with the marquee player announced as signing with the New Zealand Warriors.
The New Zealand franchise has announced the big move on social media, securing the services of the 28-year-old on a four-year deal.
A three-time NRL premiership winner at the Panthers, Fisher-Harris has made 183 appearances for the club, as well as four caps for the Maori All-Stars and 15 appearances for New Zealand, and was named as the 2023 Golden Boot winner for his efforts.
A decorated member of the Panthers since his arrival in 2016, the move is a significant grab for the Warriors, who will lose Addin Fonua-Blake to the Sharks at the end of this season after he also secured an early release from his deal.
The Panthers were approached last week by Fisher-Harris with a request to return home to New Zealand following the 2024 season on compassionate grounds, which the club granted.
His exit is a bitter blow for Ivan Cleary, who has fine-tuned the prop into one of the competition’s most damaging and intimidating front-rowers.
But the silver lining for the Panthers is that it will free up north of $900,000 in unforeseen salary-cap room.
The Panthers, who will also lose five-eighth Jarome Luai to the Wests Tigers in 2025, will want to replenish their forward stocks, with Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu the best-credentialled alternative to replace Fisher-Harris.
The New Zealander’s exit allows Penrith to resharpen their focus on retaining players already at the club. Winger Suniva Turuva has been heavily linked with a switch to St George Illawarra, but Fisher-Harris’s departure could strengthen Penrith’s hopes of retaining him.
“Fish has been exceptional for the Panthers, both on and off the field,” Cleary said. “The leadership and cultural impact he has displayed since coming into first grade has been outstanding.
“He’s evolved into one of the game’s elite players, and coaching him has been a pleasure.”
In an interview with AAP in 2023, the prop said his rejection from the Warriors as a junior fuelled his desire to crack the NRL. “It definitely gave me an edge when they overlooked me,” Fisher-Harris said. “But that would be like every Kiwi who has come over to Australia.”
Fisher-Harris’s arrival in Auckland replenishes an already stacked forward pack.
“It’s going to be fantastic having James with us,” said Warriors coach Andrew Webster.
“He’s one of the game’s elite players, a super tough forward who sets and demands the highest standards.
“I loved working with him at the Panthers, and we really look forward to bringing him into our system from next season.
“He’ll add terrific value to our roster, to the club overall, and he’ll also be invaluable as a mentor for our young players coming through.”
with AAP
Robbo
Roar Rookie
I dont hate Penrith. There's only 1 club I hate and that's Manly. I dont even hate you.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Only if he flies cargo!! :laughing:
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
But will you pay his airfare to go to Las Vegas next year as the Penrith Ambassador ahead of the NRL season openers?
Robbo
Roar Rookie
You've just done it again :stoked:
mushi
Roar Guru
I’m sure it wasn’t brand new information. But if it was something they’ve been working on that’s also a sign that they’re thinking longer term as they didn’t leak it to apply pressure on Penrith. That would give clubs confidence you can have private discussions. Which for the only team in the region is something they want to be able to have.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Tom G
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing:
Panthers
Roar Rookie
The comment you felt compelled to reply to above , had nothing to do with the players ‘from Penrith’? You just felt compelled to ‘turn up anywhere’ , with another dumb ass reply. As it’s in your character to do so. Also , such is you hate for any comment that I post & Penrith in general. That you , with your ‘own bias’. Look to a story about Penrith losing another player & expect that there won’t be comments from Penrith supporters or anyone else. About Penrith losing players? It’s certainly a strange story to read (& comments) , if that’s what you expect? :laughing:
Tony
Roar Guru
You'd probably have to form and orderly queue Tom :happy:
Robbo
Roar Rookie
St G can't keep them all either, nor can any other club. You're the only one that bangs on about it. You've been heard...it's boring and biased
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I can even sweeten the deal …I’ll pay his bus and train fare
Panthers
Roar Rookie
They haven’t proven that they can really lead a first grade side around at all at halfback.
Tony
Roar Guru
Quite right Jeff - surely the Panthers will be chasing Woods :happy:
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Your usual pointless comment. Which goes along with , ‘can’t keep them all’. The Illawarra is a large area for junior development. St.George has failed the area , until the last couple of years. Even with the Illawarra , St.George feels the need to buy players from Penrith.
Jeff Cook
Roar Rookie
Tony, have you not thought of Aaron Woods ?
Panthers
Roar Rookie
You don’t ‘reckon’ ? That’s about as Westie & Aussie Slang as you can get. There you are , forgetting your final full stop again . See, anyone can be a dumb ass & reply with ridiculous comments. Just for the sake of it. :stoked:
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Such as ‘geez’. You Git ! :thumbup: Before you reply to ‘Git’ : (Git /ˈɡɪt/ is a term of insult denoting an unpleasant, silly, incompetent, annoying, senile, elderly or childish person). By the way. When you finish your sentences on here , you fail to complete them with a full stop. That’s just not good enough!
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
I don’t think they really wanted to keep him. Crichton on the other hand ….
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
Contracts are only as strong as the agreement between the two parties. If both parties agree to dissolve it then that’s fine.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Transfer executed professionally, quickly & quietly by Panthers and Warriors. Same as AFB Warriors to Sharks. Vastly different to the circus of managers, CEO's, and coaches dragging it out in the media if the Bulldogs or Tigers were involved.