James Fisher-Harris: Penrith star shocks the footy world by quitting the club on compassionate grounds
- Kiwi skipper is rated as the best prop forward in the world
- Wanted out of the club two years before the contract expired
The Warriors have dropped a signing bombshell with Golden Boot winner and three-time Penrith premiership star James Fisher-Harris to join the club in 2025 after he was granted an early release from his Panthers contract on compassionate grounds .
The New Zealand captain is one of the best strikers in the world and played a key role as the Kiwis defeated Australia 30-0 in last year’s Pacific Championships.
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 was exceptional for the Panthers, both on and off the field,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.
“The leadership and cultural impact he has shown since entering the first grade has been outstanding. He has developed into one of the game’s elite players, and coaching him has been a pleasure.
“While we would have liked him to remain with the Panthers, we wish him, his partner Natalie and children Tahira and Deon all the best for their next chapter.”
Fisher-Harris (pictured) is moving back to his native New Zealand for compassionate reasons
The powerhouse (pictured in action against Melbourne in round one this year) will be a huge loss for the Panthers
The four-year deal is huge for the Warriors, who will lose power forward Addin Fonua-Blake to the Sharks at the end of the season.
Fisher-Harris worked alongside Warriors coach Andrew Webster while he was an assistant at Penrith, with the Whangarei Marist Brothers junior set to be a key signing next year that will help them immensely on and off the pitch.
“He is one of the game’s elite players, a super strong forward who sets and demands the highest standards,” said Webster.
“It will be fantastic to have James with us. He is one of the game’s elite players, a super strong striker who sets and demands the highest standards.
“I have loved working with him at the Panthers and we are really looking forward to having him in our system from next season. He will add tremendous value to our squad, to the club in general, and he will also be an invaluable mentor to our young players coming through.”
At the age of 28, Fisher-Harris (second from right) is coming into his prime as a front rower
Harris is pictured at the age of 17 playing for the Northern Swords, a representative of New Zealand’s North Island, before Penrith signed him to a cadetship deal
Fisher-Harris made his NRL debut in 2016 and was seen as one of their core stars that the club could build around while other players were squeezed out due to the salary cap.
The Panthers will now have money to upgrade other players, but they will need to look for a quality center as they also lost Spencer Leniu last year.
“James has been a huge asset to the Panthers and as a premiership player has been a true reflection of a team that strives to be a source of community pride,” said Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron.
“Having joined the club at the age of 18, he has become a world-class player, captain of his country and a leader of men. His impact on our club culture has been truly exceptional.”
“We look forward to seeing how James represents 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.”