Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris has conceded it’s going to be hard to replace Spencer Leniu, but revealed exactly what it takes to be a part of one of the best packs in the competition.
Leniu has officially kicked off his new chapter as a Rooster after growing up in the Panthers system and winning three premierships with the club.
His exit has left a big hole on the Panthers bench and it’s not going to be an easy fill according to Fisher-Harris.
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“No one is really like Spencer,” the Kiwis captain admitted on Wednesday at NRL headquarters after winning the 2023 Golden Boot.
“He’s been crazy good for us over the years, the energy off the bench changed games and helped us win a lot of games — I hope he knows that.”
The Panthers have rightfully earned the reputation of having one of, if not the best pack in the game.
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Fisher-Harris leads the way up front with his bash brother Moses Leota, while the work rate of Scott Sorensen and Liam Martin on the edges and the ball-playing of Isaah Yeo makes up the perfect combination of skill and tenacity.
The five of them are coming off the first three-peat in the modern era and Leniu’s exit has opened the door for another young forward to join the exclusive club.
“There’s a lot of young boys that are going to be fighting for a spot and they’re ripping in already trying to prove to the coach. It’s up to anyone,” Fisher-Harris said.
One of those players is Liam Henry. The 22-year-old prop has been in the Panthers system since 2019 after making the move from his home town of Blayney in the central west of New South Wales.
Henry is coming his best season to date in which he landed a spot in the NSW Cup Team of the Year after averaging 156 running metres and 41 tackles a game. He also played to NRL games and signed a two-year extension.
“He’s crazy fit and is one of those guys fighting for a spot for sure,” Fisher-Harris said when asked about Henry.
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But for Henry — or anyone else for that matter — to nail down a spot in this seriously impressive side he has to have the key ingredient.
“The main thing is work ethic. You have to buy in to what we do and you just have to commit to the team and our culture,” Fisher-Harris shared.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for Fisher-Harris after winning his third premiership with the Panthers, being appointed captain of New Zealand, winning the Pacific Championships with the Kiwis and claiming the 2023 Golden Boot award.
He’ll return to training in January but for now he’s enjoying a well-deserved break and soaking up all of his achievements.
“It’s all been a dream. I’ve always wished all these things and it’s coming to fruition,” the 27-year-old said.
“It’s pretty special. I’m just caught up in the moment to be honest.
“(The Golden Boot) is a bit different to the other trophies. For me personally, the Pacific Championship means more to me — to actually win games. This is really special individually, but I’m always chasing winning competitions and championships.
“This is definitely something I’m grateful for and honoured (to receive) though… it’s pretty cool for the Panthers and Kiwis.”
Fisher-Harris is as competitive as they come and although he has three premiership rings, a Golden Boot, a Pacific Championship and is a two-time Dally M Prop of the Year he’s not satisfied.
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There’s one more thing he wants to tick off — winning a World Cup with New Zealand.
“That’s the main one,” he said.
And of course chasing a fourth-straight premiership with Penrith.
There’s a winning culture at the foot of the mountains that’s developed over the last four years and Fisher-Harris gave an insight into how it’s been built.
“We just care,” he said.
“We’ve built habits over the years and we’ve had a tight group since under 20s.
“We also have a great coach, great staff and it’s a great organisation.
“Everyone is not the same either, we’re all different, but we just complement each other.”
Leading that culture is coach Ivan Cleary.
“He’s immense, everything is off the back of him, but that’s what coaches do,” Fisher-Harris said.
“We know what he does for us, that’s why we’re there in the first place.”
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