Warriors sign prize recruit

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Author: LEAGUE Will Toogood
• Publication title: Daily Post, The (Rotorua, New Zealand)

The club announced on social media yesterday they had secured the services of the 28-year-old on a four-year deal, with the prop in line to replace departing prop Addin Fonua-Blake

The deal will commence from 2025, just as Fonua-Blake will head to the Cronulla Sharks.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the club was “absolutely delighted” to sign the rampaging prop.

“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.”

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 Kiwi 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.

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...