James Fisher-Harris will kickstart the second phase of his illustrious career on home soil next season when he runs out for the New Zealand Warriors.

The 28-year-old prop was a cornerstone of Penrith’s unprecedented premiership success in the NRL, yet sent shockwaves through the club and around the league when he requested a release on compassionate grounds earlier in the year.

The Kiwi captain was granted permission to leave and link up with the Warriors after over a decade of service, 203 appearances and four premierships at the foot of the mountains.

“Is he the missing link? I hope so, that’s why we recruited him because we think he can be,” Andrew Webster told SEN Sportsday ahead of JFH’s arrival. “He’s going to be really big for us.”

Fisher-Harris was granted a release from the remaining two years of his contract and will now replace Addin Fonua-Blake up front for the NZ outfit.

The 2023 Golden Boot Award winner made his decision back in April with the Warriors acting quickly during breakneck negotiations to bring him home.

“It did come out of the clouds and it was as quick as it was reported,” Webster said.

“Fish was home in New Zealand, I think during a bye round, and he felt this connection to the country.

“He had wanted to come home for a while but he was in love and happy with Penrith. But then the time finally came for him to do it.

“There’s only one rugby league team in New Zealand and that’s us. So, we’re lucky enough that he reached out.