Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has revealed he was blindsided by James Fisher-Harris’ shock transfer request.
The Panthers announced the bombshell transfer news on Wednesday, stating they had granted Fisher-Harris a release from his contract on compassionate grounds despite having two years left on his deal.
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The Kiwi captain will link with the Warriors on a four-year deal from 2025 to be closer to family in New Zealand.
The Panthers gun was at his best on Saturday as the club secured a 22-6 win over the Wests Tigers, finishing with 110 metres, three tackle busts, a linebreak, a try and 26 tackles.
Cleary said in his post match press conference the emotional burden Fisher-Harris has been carrying, but has hopes of him getting back to his best over the course of the season.
“It’s been a very big week or two for Fish, he’s been carrying that emotional burden for a long time,” Cleary said.
“I know he was very relieved to finally get it out in the open and get it done.
“It’s not surprising that he was a bit sapped of energy and stuff, so it was great to see that second stint. He really showed some good signs.
“Hopefully he can move on and we can see the best of Fish again.”
The Panthers coach said the shock transfer request caught him by surprise, but said he remains locked in on finishing his time with the club on a high.
“I can’t really say I felt it coming, but luckily I’ve been around him long enough to know he hasn’t been himself,” Cleary said.
“Didn’t predict that was going to be the thing, but I knew something was up.
“I’m just glad we could do it quickly and respectfully, and we’ll get on with life.
“I’m happy for him and his family. It’s a strong maternal drive and connection he has that he wants to see through.
“We’ll be fine. We’ll just worry about this year. We’ve got him now, and we’ll just worry about the present. We’ll work it out.”
Cleary wasn’t the only individual at the Panthers caught off guard by the news with club great and current board member Greg Alexander in the same boat.
“Shocked, I wasn’t expecting it,” Alexander said to news.com.au
“No one said no. I guess after recovering from the shock, there was no one at board level or through management or coaching who thought they would deny him that release.
“Once everything settled down and everyone got their heads around the request, it was unanimous really, in saying that James has been a great player for us, this is what he wants to do, no one said anything.
“Not happy to … but sure, let’s let him really do what he wants to do.
“Of course I would (have liked Fisher-Harris to stay). That’s unanimous as well.”