James Fisher-Harris set to join New Zealand Warriors in 2025

Fisher-Harris told Panthers that he would like to go back to New Zealand to be closer to his family. 

Another big name is on his way out of Penrith Panthers. This time, it’s club great James Fisher-Harris. The 28-year-old has agreed to join New Zealand Warriors in the 2025 NRL season. Panthers have agreed to the move on compassionate grounds, after Fisher-Harris expressed his desire to be closer to his family. 

Fisher-Harris agrees to join Warriors 

Penrith Panthers announced on Wednesday that James Fisher-Harris has agreed to a shock move to join New Zealand Warriors.  
 
The club said in a statement that Fisher-Harris “approached the club this week with a request to return home to New Zealand following the 2024 season on compassionate grounds. Out of respect to the three-time premiership player, Panthers saw it only fitting to grant this request.” 
 
Fisher-Harris has been a mainstay at Panthers since joining the club in 2016. Since then, the 28-year-old has made 183 NRL appearances for Penrith. On the international stage, Fisher-Harris was named New Zealand captain in 2023. He has played in four matches for the Maori All Stars and 15 Test matches for New Zealand.  
 
Last year, Fisher-Harris was awarded the 2023 Golden Boot Award as the best international player in the world. 

Club wishes Fisher-Harris well 

While it’s never a good thing to lose one of your star players, Penrith Panthers seem to be taking Fisher-Harris’s impending departure well. Club officials had only good things to say about the Kiwi in their statement confirming his move to Warriors in 2025.  
 
“Fish has been exceptional for the Panthers, both on and off the field,” said Panthers’ head coach Ivan Cleary.  
 
“The leadership and cultural impact he has displayed since coming into first grade has been outstanding. He’s evolved into one of the game’s elite players, and coaching him has been a pleasure.

“While we would have loved him to stay at the Panthers, we wish him, his partner Natalie, and children Tahira and Deon all the best for their next chapter,” Cleary also said.  
 
Panthers CEO Matt Cameron said of Fisher-Harris that, “James has been a tremendous asset to the Panthers, and as a premiership player, has been a true reflection of a team that strives to be a source of community pride. Joining the club as an 18 year old, he has become a world-class player, captain of his nation, and a leader of men. His impact on our club culture has been truly exceptional.” 
 
“We look forward to watching James represent the Panthers for the remainder of the 2024 season and out of respect to all parties both James and the club will refrain from making any further comment at this point in time,” Cameron said. 

Fisher-Harris joins star five-eighth Jarome Luai, who has agreed to join Wests Tigers, on the list of Panthers players who will be leaving the club ahead of the 2025 NRL season.