'They'll have to': Panthers crippled by JFH stunner

UPDATED: Panthers premiership player Brad Fittler has been left stunned by the club’s decision to let James Fisher-Harris out of his contract early, describing it as “a big decision” to wave goodbye to arguably the best front-rower in the game.

Fisher-Harris, the current New Zealand captain, will play out this season with Penrith before departing to take up a long-term deal with the Warriors after the Panthers agreed to his release on compassionate grounds.

That incredible call will leave the three-time premiers a marquee front-rower short in 2025 and beyond, with few obvious replacements coming off contract at the end of this season.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald Wests Tigers enforcer Stefano Utoikamanu is at the top of the Panthers’ hit list to replace Fisher-Harris. The Herald reports Utoikamanu has a clause in his contract that he can trigger to leave at the end of the season if the Tigers miss the top eight, although that clause will be negated if he is selected to play two or more games for NSW this year. The 23-year-old made his debut for the Blues in last year’s series.

Ivan Cleary embraces James Fisher-Harris after the Panthers won the 2023 NRL grand final.

There are few other obvious options, making Penrith’s decision to free Fisher-Harris with two years still to run on his contract all the more stunning to Fittler.

“Shows you the relationship between himself and the club though. He’s been at the front of that pack and most probably got a lot out of his body,” Fittler said on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth.

“It’s fitting, it’s a big decision by Penrith, you’ve gotta say. You’ve gotta respect Penrith in this situation … what other front-rowers are out there?”

Fisher-Harris is just the latest high profile player to announce his departure from the dynasty team, with fellow front-rower Spencer Leniu leaving to join the Roosters after last year’s grand final. Gun centre Stephen Crichton also left last year, adding to a growing list that includes Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Kurt Capewell, Wayde Egan, Jack Cogger and J’maine Hopgood.

With Jarome Luai exiting after this season to take up a monster deal with the Wests Tigers it is feeling more and more like the “last ride” for arguably the greatest team of the modern era.

Speaking on Freddy and The Eighth, Andrew Johns said too many experienced players had left for the club to simply lean on its vaunted development system to stay competitive.

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris of Penrith Panthers after losing the World Club Challenge.

“They’ll have to buy a play one prop. Maybe they go to England to get one of the big boys over there?,” Johns suggested.

“You look at the players who have left to other clubs, they’re the best players. Crichton and Kikau at the Bulldogs, they’ve changed them around.”

While Fisher-Harris’ departure will leave a big hole, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the decision was made on good terms.

“Fish has been exceptional for the Panthers, both on and off the field,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said in a statement.

“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.”

Fisher-Harris took over the Kiwis captaincy last year, leading the side to a shock Pacific Championships win over the Kangaroos and capturing the Golden Boot award in the process, but will now become a Warrior for the first time.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster lauded the signing and believes he will be the perfect addition to the club’s forward pack, especially in the wake of Addin Fonua-Blake’s decision to return home to Sydney next year and link up with the Sharks.

“He’s one of the game’s elite players, a super tough forward who sets and demands the highest standards,” the coach said.

“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.

“It’s going to be fantastic having James with us.”