Kiwi captain and formidable Penrith prop James Fisher-Harris has inked a four-year contract to join the One New Zealand Warriors starting next season.
The 28-year-old Northlander has come to terms with Penrith for an early release from the final two seasons of his contract due to personal reasons, allowing him to return to New Zealand and be closer to his family.
With 183 NRL games under his belt, Fisher-Harris has been a linchpin in Penrith’s triumphant streak, securing three consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2023, and also featuring in the 2020 grand final.
His leadership prowess was evident as he led the Kiwis to a resounding 30-0 victory over the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final last year, earning him both the Golden Boot player of the year award and the New Zealand Rugby League’s player of the year accolade.
One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George expressed immense joy over securing Fisher-Harris’s signature, considering it a monumental acquisition for the club. Fisher-Harris’s former mentor, Andrew Webster, who coached him during Penrith’s grand final-winning seasons, also lauded his addition to the Warriors’ roster, emphasizing his elite skills and leadership qualities.
Born in Kohukohu in the Far North, Fisher-Harris made his NRL debut with Penrith in 2016 and swiftly transitioned to the international stage with the Kiwis later that year. Rising to the rank of Kiwi captain in 2023, he has represented his country in 15 Tests and has also led the Māori All Stars.
Andrew McFadden, One New Zealand Warriors’ general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development, commended Fisher-Harris’s stature in the sport, acknowledging his profound influence both on and off the field.
