Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris has conceded it’s going to be onerous to switch Spencer Leniu, however revealed precisely what it takes to be part of top-of-the-line packs within the competitors.
Leniu has formally kicked off his new chapter as a Rooster after rising up within the Panthers system and successful three premierships with the membership.
His exit has left an enormous gap on the Panthers bench and it’s not going to be a straightforward fill in accordance with Fisher-Harris.
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“No one is really like Spencer,” the Kiwis captain admitted on Wednesday at NRL headquarters after successful 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 repute of getting one in every of, if not one of the best pack within the sport.
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Fisher-Harris leads the way in which up entrance together with his bash brother Moses Leota, whereas the work fee of Scott Sorensen and Liam Martin on the sides and the ball-playing of Isaah Yeo makes up the right mixture of ability and tenacity.
The 5 of them are coming off the primary three-peat within the fashionable period and Leniu’s exit has opened the door for an additional younger ahead to affix the unique membership.
“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 mentioned.
One of these gamers is Liam Henry. The 22-year-old prop has been within the Panthers system since 2019 after making the transfer from his residence city of Blayney within the central west of New South Wales.
Henry is coming his greatest season thus far through which he landed a spot within the NSW Cup Team of the Year after averaging 156 operating metres and 41 tackles a sport. He additionally performed to NRL video 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 mentioned when requested about Henry.
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But for Henry — or anybody else for that matter — to nail down a spot on this severely spectacular facet he has to have the important thing 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 successful his third premiership with the Panthers, being appointed captain of New Zealand, successful the Pacific Championships with the Kiwis and claiming the 2023 Golden Boot award.
He’ll return to coaching in January however for now he’s having fun with a well-deserved break and absorbing 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 mentioned.
“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 aggressive as they arrive and though 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 glad.
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There’s another factor he desires to tick off — successful a World Cup with New Zealand.
“That’s the main one,” he mentioned.
And in fact chasing a fourth-straight premiership with Penrith.
There’s a successful tradition on the foot of the mountains that’s developed over the past 4 years and Fisher-Harris gave an perception into the way it’s been constructed.
“We just care,” he mentioned.
“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 tradition is coach Ivan Cleary.
“He’s immense, everything is off the back of him, but that’s what coaches do,” Fisher-Harris mentioned.
“We know what he does for us, that’s why we’re there in the first place.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
