“Did anyone see this coming?”: Stunned Smith reacts to Fisher-Harris’ bombshell signing with Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors have left the NRL world in a state of shock after announcing the signing of Penrith Panthers star and Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris from the 2025 season and beyond.
The news caught everyone off guard as Fisher-Harris has a further two years remaining on his deal and has been one of the best players in the NRL over the last four years.
Fisher-Harris requested the release at the start of the week to return home to his native New Zealand and the Panthers quickly granted his wishes on Wednesday morning, a club statement confirmed.
SEN’s Cameron Smith didn’t hide his shock at the announcement and reflected on the immeasurable impact that Fisher-Harris has had on the club.
“It’s massive given he’s played his entire career in Penrith,” Smith told SEN 1170 The Captain’s Run.
“It’s no secret that he’s been a huge part of their three-peat, there’s no secret about that.
“He’s just come off a season where he won the Golden Boot and he’s been voted (Dally M) Prop of the Year in (2020 and 2021).
“I think it goes without saying that he’s regarded by a lot of people in rugby league circles as the best propr in the game currently, this is masisve, massive news.
“We always talk about how big the pool of young players coming through at Penrith but jeez it’s hard to replace someone like James Fisher-Harris, it’s just incredible, massive signing for the Warriors though.”
The signing of Fisher-Harris fills the void of Addin Fonua-Blake departing the club at the end of the season and is arguably one of the biggest recruitment coups in recent years.
“In saying that, we don’t want to show any disrespect to Addin Fonua-Blake too,” Smith added.
“He’s been one of the shining lights, I believe for the Warriors over the last 12 months, it’s a reason why they won’t see deep in the competition (last year) as well.
“My goodness, did anyone see this coming?”
Fisher-Harris has been apart of all three Premiership-winning campaigns for the Panthers and has played in 183 games for the club.