LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a stunning turn of events, the Panthers have been hit with a bombshell as their Kiwi captain, James Fisher-Harris, has decided to leave the club and join a rival NRL team.
This unexpected move has left fans reeling and scratching their heads in disbelief.
News.com.au has reported that Fisher-Harris has been given the green light to depart from the Panthers.
The New Zealand skipper has inked a four-year deal with the Warriors, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community.
This latest development will see Fisher-Harris see out the rest of the 2024 season with the reigning premiers before donning the colours of the Warriors.
The Panthers confirmed on Wednesday that the 28-year-old has been released from the remaining two years of his contract due to "compassionate grounds".
In a move that nobody saw coming, Fisher-Harris made his intentions clear to the club earlier this week, leaving officials scrambling to make sense of the situation.
This departure has left a gaping hole in the Panthers' lineup, one that will surely be felt on the field.
As the dust settles on this shocking news, one thing is for certain - the Panthers will need to regroup and find a way to move forward without their star player.
Only time will tell how this will impact the team's performance on the field, but one thing is certain - the rugby league world will be watching closely as this drama unfolds.