Unbelievable: In an unexpected move the Warriors are interested in securing a lucrative two-to-three-year contract for their team.….

Clean break’*Headline: How a Shocking NRL Move Happened in Just 72 Hours and Why the Panthers Allowed It

Penrith Panthers star prop James Fisher-Harris has been released from the final two years of his contract to join the New Zealand Warriors in a surprising move. The New Zealand international will join the Warriors on a four-year deal starting in 2025.

Fisher-Harris requested the release to return home for family reasons. The deal was quickly finalized when his management contacted the Warriors’ chief executive on Sunday night, leading to a swift agreement by Wednesday.

Remarkably, there was no conflict between Fisher-Harris and the Panthers. The club allowed the transfer without demanding a fee or a player swap, simply thanking Fisher-Harris for his service and wishing him well.

Fisher-Harris has a close relationship with Warriors’ assistant coach Stacey Jones and head coach Andrew Webster, which facilitated the move. The Warriors, needing a forward after Addin Fonua-Blake’s decision to leave, secured Fisher-Harris after missing out on Braden Hamlin-Uele.

Warriors CEO Cameron George expressed his delight in signing Fisher-Harris, calling it one of the biggest signings in the club’s history. Fisher-Harris, a key player in the Panthers’ three consecutive premierships, also won the IRL’s Golden Boot award in 2023.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary praised Fisher-Harris for his leadership and contributions since debuting in 2016, expressing best wishes for him and his family in their next chapter.