James Fisher-Harris grew up playing rugby union but he knew where his heart lie
He is the reigning Dally M Prop of the Year, an enforcer right at home in rugby league mad Penrith – but James Fisher-Harris had to fight for the right to play the game.
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Not many teenagers are willing to enrol themselves into a boarding school but for Penrith’s James Fisher Harris it was the only he could play the game he loves most.
After growing up playing rugby union, just like every other kid in New Zealand, Fisher-Harris all of a sudden found himself drawn to rugby league.
But the then 15-year old faced a huge hurdle.
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Fisher-Harris lived in Kohukohu, a small town with a population of around 150 people on New Zealand’s North Island, with nowhere to play the 13-man game.
“I played union first, every kid in New Zealand plays union first. There was no league really. I didn’t play league until under 15’s,” Fisher-Harris revealed.
“I always wanted to play it but I couldn’t find anywhere, there were no local clubs back then. I had to go to boarding school just so I could play rugby league.”
So the Fisher-Harris enrolled into Whangarei Marist Brothers, two hours away from his hometown, just so he could play league on Sundays.
And while the reigning Dally M Prop of the Year walked away from union, almost 10 years ago now, he’ll take some inspiration from the 15-man game with him into Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne Storm.
When Fisher-Harris wasn’t playing alongside his father, stepdad and brother for Motukohu, the Penrith enforcer was busy studying All Black legend Richie McCaw.
SEE BELOW: Why livewire Luai was glad to see the back of Jimmy Maloney
“I always watched my old man, my step dad, my brother but when you’re a Kiwi kid you always watch the All Blacks and every kid had someone to aspire to be like,” Fisher Harris said.
“I loved watching Richie Macaw, he’s up there and Jonah Lomu … guys like that.”
“Richie, he has a dig he has a go … I saw his documentary, Chasing Great, which showed the mentality that he has and he’s a champion, so there is a lot to learn from someone like him.”
Fisher-Harris has averaged 154 metres per game this season, and coupled with his on-field mongrel, has helped transform him into a key cog in Penrith’s title tilt.
But the soft-spoken forward put his form down to the side’s new found culture.
“We keep each other accountable and we are always trying to get better.” Fisher Harris said.
“Heaps of other boys are like that … we just feed off each other … and because of that it makes you want to do more for the team. It turns into a positive cycle.”
LUAI ‘STOKED’ TO SEE THE BACK OF MALONEY AT PENRITH
Jarome Luai could be the only person in Penrith who was happy when James Maloney quit the Panthers.
Call it belief, rather than cocky confidence, that has come naturally after winning all but one of the 10 or so grand finals he has played coming through the grades.
He has played so many he cannot remember the exact number.
The belief which quickly dispelled any doubt on the Panthers’ halves pairing in the post-James Maloney era.
And that same certainty which has allowed his on-field form to be matched only by his ever-growing in-your-face demeanour.
It’s this belief that quickly dispelled any doubt on the Panthers’ halves pairing post James Maloney.
Externally at least, eyebrows were raised when the Panthers shipped Maloney off to France early at the end of last year.
Then 33, Maloney was, by all estimates, the perfect foil for an up-and-coming Nathan Cleary. Instead, it has been the less experienced Luai who has helped Cleary’s rise in 2020.
Penrith fans may have been taken aback by Maloney’s early exit but Luai’s feelings were clear.
“I was stoked to be honest,” Luai said.
“I was like ‘man that’s my opportunity there to lock that six down’. I was so motivated to get that jersey and make it my own. People were saying it was (James Maloney’s) jersey but I wanted to make it Jarome Luai’s. Hopefully I’ve done that.
“You have to earn the right through performances and not words. I just wanted to make the most of an opportunity.”
Doubts regarding Maloney’s departure were quickly erased. While Maloney touched the ball an average of five times more per game in his 22 games last year compared to Luai this year, the younger half has easily been the bigger attacking threat.
Luai has more than double Maloney’s tackle busts plus leads the way in line breaks, line break assists and try assists. Maloney produced 15 more drop outs but also gave away 14 more penalties.
“I play instinctive and what’s in front of me and just let Nath (Cleary) do the rest,” Luai said. “They told me not to be anyone else and when I get the opportunity to run the footy. I know I’m ready for this game. I’ve backed my hard work and belief. I believe in the guys around me.”
Much of the 23-year-old’s belief has flowed out onto the field. Confrontation with opposition players has followed him as he quickly develops into the game’s latest niggler.
“It’s not a cocky confidence,” Luai said. “It’s just a lot of belief. I play with a lot of passion. You can’t impress everyone.
“Some people love it and some people don’t. I fight for every inch on the footy field.
“Those scrappy moments, they keep me in the game and help me rise. I love it.
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“(The niggling antics have) developed a bit.
“The confidence has always been there but the niggly stuff I’m not sure. It’s just wanting to win. I love competing against the best.”
Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith is preparing for his eighth grand final. The entire Panthers squad have featured in just three. But Luai said playing in grand finals had become second nature for this crop of Panthers.
“I’ve played in about 10 and this one doesn’t feel any different,” Luai said. “I’ve only lost one – as a schoolboy – so you could say I have a good record.”