Penrith Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris has been granted a release from the remaining two years of his deal to join the New Zealand Warriors in a bombshell switch.
Fisher-Harris, a New Zealand international, will link up with the Warriors in 2025 on a four-year deal.
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The forward was granted permission to join the Warriors after requesting a return to his home nation on compassionate grounds so he could be closer to his family.
Warriors CEO Cameron George was delighted to have secured the services of the three-time NRL premiership winner.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to sign James,” George said.
“It’s a huge signing for us, undoubtedly one of the biggest in our club’s history.
“To be able to add a player of his calibre and standing to our squad is a tremendous boost for 2025 and beyond. He’s such a highly-respected player and leader.”
Fisher-Harris departs the Panthers as a modern legend having played a significant role in helping the club to three-straight premierships as well as a run to the grand final in 2020.
The 28-year-old’s strong form for club translated to international level as he earned the International Rugby League’s (IRL) Golden Boot award in 2023 along with New Zealand Rugby League’s player of the year.
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The arrival of Fisher-Harris also plugs a major hole in the Warriors’ forward pack in 2025 given they needed a replacement for Addin Fonua-Blake, who will join Cronulla.
Fisher-Harris’ return to his home nation also reunites him with Warriors coach Andrew Webster, who was assistant at Penrith during the premiership-winning 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“It’s going to be fantastic having James with us,” Webster said.
“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.”
Fisher-Harris’ departure now leaves a gaping hole in Penrith’s forward pack as well as their leadership group.
Despite the impending loss of the New Zealand skipper, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary hailed Fisher-Harris’ impact at the club he’d been at since his debut in 2016.
“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.
“While we would have loved him to stay at the Panthers, we wish him, his partner Natalie, and children Tahira and Deon all the best for their next chapter.”
Source Agencies
