SEN’s Andrew Voss has given his advice to the reigning Premiers, the Penrith Panthers as they prepare for life without James Fisher-Harris at the end of the year.
The New Zealand Kiwis captain was granted a release from the final two years of his contract on compassionate grounds as he wishes to be closer to his family in his native country.
Fisher-Harris has been not only one of Penrith’s most important players, but one of the best in the NRL over the last three years and the Panthers may never be able to replace his impact in the frontline.
With Fisher-Harris’ departure leaving the Panthers with a sizeable war chest to search for replacements, Voss revealed why he believes they should chase another half instead of a marquee prop.
“People have straight away jumped on the bandwagon of (Penrith signing a front rower),” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I think Penrith when the dust settled, it had to settle pretty quickly on this one, Penrith don’t have a five-eighth.
“I had a look through and I think they need to have a war chest ready to go for a number six not so much a front rower, I think they can pick up a front rower for 500 (thousand).
“Drumroll, Lachie Galvin becomes the most sought-after player in rugby league. “Lachie Galvin is what I believe the Penrith roster needs.”
Voss believe that the Tigers’ extreme depths in the halves and long-term money committed could become an issue going forward.
“The Tigers are top-heavy, Jahrome Luai, $1.1 million, Latu Fainu getting $550,000 per year, committed long term, Jayden Sullivan, committed long term on a four-year contract,” Voss added.
“Lachie Galvin is on $150k, he’ll get $250k next year and $350k the year after. Penrith, Lachie Galvin they can’t talk to him at the moment but I’m just saying I think Penrith need (a) five-eighth more than they need a marquee front rower.”
Fisher-Harris’ departure leaves the Penrith with approximately $1 million in cap space ahead of the 2025 season.