Dean Ritchie: Why James Fisher-Harris’ departure will end Penrith Panthers’ era of NRL dominance

It had to happen at some point and unfortunately for Penrith fans, this latest roster blow signals the end of their remarkable era of dominance. DEAN RITCHIE explains why.

The Last Dance: Why the departure of James Fisher-Harris and Jarome Luai will end Penrith Panthers’ era of NRL dominance

This is the last dance, Penrith.

There comes that inevitable moment when the haemorrhaging of star players cannot be patched up any longer.

The mighty Panthers era, full of grand results in grand finals, is about to end.

It’s not as dramatic as the dismantling of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in The Last Dance, however next year, Penrith will have to scrap and struggle like the other 16 mere mortals.

Penrith have supplied rugby league with one of the most exceptional club sides of all-time, a team of immense skill and unequivocal resilience.

Four successive grand finals, three consecutive premierships – all achieved in the restrictive salary cap era.

The loss of James Fisher-Harris will be too much to overcome for Penrith. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

But James Fisher-Harris’ shock impending exit to the New Zealand Warriors will finally end the party at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

Fierce, old-school with a scowl to frighten a werewolf, Fisher-Harris’ departure to Auckland is possibly the most damaging loss of all those who have walked out of Penrith over the past four years.

No club in the modern era – not even the ever-hungry Panthers – can overcome the loss of Fisher-Harris and Jarome Luai in one hit.

Sadly, we have watched on as this freakishly successful side has been annually and systematically dismantled under salary cap pressure.

Yes, the Panthers still have Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Moses Leota, but they will need to accept that from 2025 they will be at their most vulnerable in five years.

The club has been unable to prevent poaching raids for Apisai Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Kurt Capewell and Luai, as the Panthers have struggled to remain salary cap compliant.

Jarome Luai’s departure is another hammer blow. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Rivals have even attacked their junior nurseries, with the likes of emerging talents J’Maine Hopgood and Isaiya Katoa being picked off.

The salary cap bloodshed has been unyielding.

It’s been cruel to watch.

For Penrith to remain triumphant through all this recruitment and retention turmoil has been remarkable.

Even now, the club has won three from five games this season. Penrith are still the best side in the competition and remain the $3.25 premiership favourites, according to TAB.

They are on the march towards an unprecedented fourth straight premiership in the NRL era.

Penrith, thanks for the memories. It’s been a hell of a ride since 2020.

But surely this is the swan song, where their epic journey ultimately concludes.

Originally published as Dean Ritchie: Why James Fisher-Harris’ departure will end Penrith Panthers’ era of NRL dominance