One of the NRL’s premier front-rowers is leaving the Penrith Panthers to join the New Zealand Warriors from 2025.

Penrith announced on Wednesday that Kiwi tyro James Fisher-Harris had been released from the final two years of his contract on compassionate grounds and is a direct replacement for Addin Fonua-Blake who is leaving Auckland for the Cronulla Sharks.

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

“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.

New Zealand legend calls for Warriors to let Roger Tuivasa-Sheck off the leash in Wollongong against Dragons

“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.”

It’s another huge win for the Warriors who continue to build toward a historic maiden premiership.