Kiwis captain and powerful Penrith prop James Fisher-Harris has signed a four-year deal to join the NZ Warriors from next season.
The 28-year-old Northlander has reached agreement with Penrith to be released from the last two seasons of his contract on compassionate grounds so he can move back to New Zealand to be closer to his family.
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A 183-game NRL veteran, Fisher-Harris has been at the forefront of Penrith’s run of three consecutive premiership wins in 2021, 2022 and 2023 while he also played in the 2020 grand final.
He led the Kiwis to a record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final last year, culminating in him winning the Golden Boot player of the year award along with the New Zealand Rugby League’s player of the year accolade.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to sign James,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“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.”
Warriors head coach Andrew Webster and Fisher-Harris will be reunited after working together when Webster was an assistant coach at Penrith for the grand final-winning seasons in 2021 and 2022.
“It’s going to be fantastic having James with us. He’s one of the game’s elite players, a super tough forward who sets and demands the highest standards,” said Webster.
“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, born in Kohukohu in the Far North, made his NRL debut with Penrith in 2016, followed by his Kiwis test debut later the same year. Rising to become Kiwi captain last year, he has played a total of 15 tests. He has also captained the Māori All Stars.
“James has such standing in the game. He’s a player with real mana who commands respect on and off the field,” said Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.