James Fisher-Harris Leaves Panthers for Warriors in Blockbuster Deal

In a stunning development, Penrith Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris, a three-time premiership winner, has been granted a release to join the New Zealand Warriors in 2025. The move comes as a surprise, as Fisher-Harris had two years remaining on his contract with the Panthers.

The 28-year-old Northlander requested the release on compassionate grounds to return home to New Zealand and be closer to his family. The Panthers granted his wishes, acknowledging Fisher-Harris' tremendous impact on the club's culture and wishing him, his partner Natalie, and their children Tahira and Deon all the best for their next chapter.

Fisher-Harris, who has played 183 NRL games for the Panthers, four matches for the Maori All Stars, and 15 Test matches for New Zealand, was named the Kiwis captain, joining the Warriors in 2025. He led the Kiwis to a record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final last year.

Why this matters: The signing of James Fisher-Harris is a major coup for the Warriors, who are looking to build a premiership-contending team. The move also highlights the increasing trend of high-profile players returning to their home countries to be closer to family.

Warriors CEO Cameron George described the signing as 'one of the biggest in our club's history', with head coach Andrew Webster excited to reunite with Fisher-Harris, who he worked with at Penrith. The Warriors' passionate fan base is thrilled to welcome the Kiwi captain home.

Fisher-Harris' departure will free up close to $1 million in the Panthers' salary cap for the next two years. The club is now looking to replace him, with Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu emerging as a top candidate. Utoikamanu has a clause in his contract that allows him to test the market if certain conditions are not met, and the Panthers have expressed interest in the promising forward.

Former player Cameron Smith praised Fisher-Harris, calling him the best prop in the game currently and noting his immense impact on the Panthers' three-peat premiership wins. "James Fisher-Harris is a huge loss for the Panthers, but you can understand his desire to return home to New Zealand," Smith said. "Did anyone see this coming?"

The signing fills the void left by Addin Fonua-Blake's departure from the Warriors and is considered one of the biggest recruitment coups in recent years. Fisher-Harris will see out the 2024 season with the Panthers before joining the Warriors on a four-year deal starting in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Penrith Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris granted release to join NZ Warriors in 2025.
• Fisher-Harris, a 3-time premiership winner, requested release on compassionate grounds to be closer to family.
• Warriors CEO calls signing "one of the biggest in our club's history", reuniting with coach Andrew Webster.
• Fisher-Harris' departure frees up $1M in Panthers' salary cap, with Tigers' Stefano Utoikamanu a top candidate to replace him.
• Signing fills void left by Addin Fonua-Blake's departure, considered a major recruitment coup for the Warriors.