James Fisher‑Harris (Co-Captain)

Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris’ signing on a four-year deal was announced by the One New Zealand Warriors in April, 2024.

The 29-year-old Northlander was granted a release by the Penrith Panthers from the last two seasons of his contract on compassionate grounds so he could move back to New Zealand to be closer to his family.

The 203-game NRL veteran has been at the forefront of Penrith’s remarkable run of four consecutive premiership wins in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 while he also played in the 2020 grand final when the Panthers lost 20-26 to the Melbourne Storm.

He led the Kiwis to a record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final in Hamilton in 2023 culminating in him winning the Golden Boot player of the year award along with the New Zealand Rugby League’s player of the year accolade.

When Fisher-Harris’ signing was announced, One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George said: “It’s a huge signing for us, undoubtedly one of the biggest in our club’s history. To be able to add a player of his calibre and standing to our squad is a tremendous boost for 2025 and beyond. He’s such a highly-respected player and leader.”

Fisher-Harris has been reunited with One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster. The pair worked together when Webster was an assistant coach at Penrith for the grand final-winning seasons in 2021 and 2022.

“It’s fantastic having James with us,” said Webster. “He’s one of the game’s elite players, a super tough forward who sets and demands the highest standards. I loved working with him at the Panthers and we really look forward to bringing him into our system. 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.”

Fisher-Harris, raised in Kohukohu in the Far North, made his NRL debut with Penrith in 2016 followed by his Kiwi Test debut later the same year. Rising to become Kiwi captain in 2023, he has played a total of 18 Tests and has also captained the Māori All Stars.

In 23 appearances for Penrith in 2024, he averaged 128 metres and 27 tackles. With just 26 missed tackles all season he had a defensive efficiency rate of 96%, the best of his career.

Boasting a winning percentage of 72% across 203 games, he averages 123 metres and 30.6 tackles a game.