LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In 2025, the transfer of James Fisher-Harris from the Penrith Panthers to the New Zealand Warriors has become a pivotal point for both teams.
As reported by zerotackle.com, Fisher-Harris, the inspirational forward pack leader, has significantly impacted the Warriors' performance while the Panthers have faced a stark decline.
The Warriors' acquisition of Fisher-Harris has strengthened their squad, while the Panthers have struggled with multiple issues, contributing to their fall from being four-time defending premiers to a position where their chances of making the finals are dwindling.
This dramatic shift is seen as one of the most significant fadeouts in recent memory, largely due to a "perfect storm" of factors that the Panthers have been unable to navigate.
The contrasting trajectories of both teams in 2025 illustrate how one key signing can alter the fate of a franchise, demonstrating that statistics alone do not capture the full impact of a player like Fisher-Harris.