Following James Fisher-Harris’ richly deserved Simon Mannering Medal honour, I reflected on the first time I interviewed one of the great front-rowers of the modern era — when his NRL career was just eight games old.
The 20-year-old was in Christchurch for Penrith’s 2016 clash with the Warriors, having only made his first-grade debut a couple of months earlier.
The unassuming Fisher-Harris spoke in the same understated monotones as he does today, but even then as a relative unknown he had a genuine aura about him.
By the end of 2016, the rookie had forged a permanent second-row spot in the Panthers’ pack, played finals footy and made his New Zealand Test debut against Scotland in the Four Nations.
A decade on, JFH is a four-time premiership winner, a decorated Kiwis captain and at the forefront of the Warriors’ drive for a maiden title.
Big League — August 4, 2016
By Will Evans
Rookie sensation James Fisher-Harris admits he had no idea what he was in for when he joined the Panthers as a 17-year-old in 2014.
“The first time I saw Penrith was when I moved there,” the quietly spoken Kiwi says.
“It was pre-season for under-18s (SG Ball) and it was straight into training that day.
“I thought everywhere in Sydney was close as (to the ocean). It was a big change. I didn’t even know how to catch a train.”
Fisher-Harris hails from Kohukohu, a tiny historic village on the northern banks of the Hokianga Harbour in the Northland region of New Zealand.
A thriving timber milling town at the turn of the 20th century, Kohukohu now has a population of about 150, for whom the sea and the bush are a part of daily life.
“Everyone is into hunting and fishing up there, all outdoor stuff,” Fisher-Harris says.
“I’ve sort of lost that being in Sydney now – it’s been a while. I might go back and do some at the end of the year.”
Fisher-Harris played rugby union until he was 14, but relocating to Whangarei to go to boarding school put him on a 13-a-side path that ultimately led him to Penrith.
“I just fell in love with league, getting more ball and getting one-on-one more.”
He was spotted at a National Secondary Schools tournament in Auckland by Panthers scouts, who were drawn to his size, power and raw potential.
Fisher-Harris carried on the fine tradition of Northland products joining the club – including Sam McKendry and Elijah Taylor – and after overcoming the initial culture shock, he progressed quickly through the lower grades.
The prop/back-rower starred in the Panthers NYC side in 2015 and received a Junior Kiwis call-up, representing with the likes of Te Maire Martin, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jazz Tevaga.
Despite making such an impact in the under-20s, Fisher-Harris wasn’t anticipating the NRL rewards that have come his way this year. The tyro has played 16 games in the top flight – notwithstanding a month-long mid-season layoff with a broken thumb – and forged a regular starting back-row berth.
“I thought I might get a debut this year, but [Anthony Griffin] gave me the opportunity and I took it with both hands,” he says.
“I’m just trying to get better every week.”
Fisher-Harris’ breakout performance came in Round 8, when he scored two barnstorming tries off the bench in a narrow loss to Cronulla.
“It was just crazy, some of the boys got injured so I got more game-time. I was over the moon, I couldn’t believe it. I think I got two tries the whole of last year in under-20s.”
He has been in the run-on side ever since and inked an extension with the club soon afterwards, tying him to the Panthers until the end of 2019.
Ironically, Fisher-Harris’ rise played a major part in Taylor falling out of favour and joining Wests Tigers, while he is being talked about as a Dally M Rookie of the Year contender alongside Gold Coast halfback Ashley Taylor, and tryscoring sensations Suliasi Vunivalu and Bevan French.
The 20-year-old comes across as shy and reserved off the field, but he is an explosive force of nature after he crosses the white line. The 187cm, 105kg powerhouse’s dynamic performances have drawn comparisons with superstars such as Gorden Tallis and Jason Taumalolo, while he says the reputations of his big-name opponents only motivate him more.
“You try and aim up against them and it makes you prepare better mentally and physically. You just want to take them on.”
Fisher-Harris’ debut-season efforts have clearly earned the respect of Penrith’s senior players.
“He’s a good kid, ‘Fish’, he’s been real good for us this year and he’s getting more minutes each week,” Panthers captain Matt Moylan enthuses.
“He started off pretty quiet, but now he’s getting comfortable he’s coming out of his shell which is good to see.”
Although the Kiwis are blessed with a plethora of talented back-rowers, a Four Nations call-up is not beyond the realms of possibility for Fisher-Harris – especially if the promising Panthers can reach the finals.
But at this stage, the tackle-busting phenom is concentrating on cementing a first-grade spot and doing what he can to make the club’s top-eight dreams a reality.
“I’m just trying to get better and better,” Fisher-Harris says.
“The coach has been really good to me and given me another chance every week.
“He’s a bit strict, but it helps me and gives me a bit of pressure. It’s good, I need that.”