NZ Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris. Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
The Warriors have announced a massive signing, with news that triple-premiership winning prop James Fisher-Harris is set to join the club next season on a four year deal.
Fisher-Harris has been released from the Penrith Panthers with one year to go on his contract. It's ended months of speculation about the Warriors' contingency plans in the middle of the park after Addin Fonua-Blake announced desire to move back to Sydney. Fonua-Blake subsequently signed with the Sharks, so the addition of Fisher-Harris should be a seamless transition from one elite prop to another.
The Kohukohu-born Fisher-Harris brings in a wealth of experience, having played 183-game NRL games. That total most notably includes the last four grand finals, three of which resulted in premierships for the Panthers.
James Fisher-Harris in possession. Photo: David Neilson/Photosport
Fisher-Harris has also played 14 tests for the Kiwis, including captaining the side to a record 30-0 victory over the Kangaroos in Hamilton last year. He was named New Zealand Rugby League's player of the year in 2023.
"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."
"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."
His addition to Andrew Webster's side is another sign that the Warriors are seen as a genuine premiership contender and attractive destination for elite level players, with Queensland representative Kurt Capewell a big acquisition in the last off season. 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.
The Warriors will get a close-up look at their new teammate when they face the Panthers at the NRL Magic Round in Brisbane on 19 May.