James Fisher-Harris Reflects Emotionally Ahead of Milestone NRL Match
James Fisher-Harris' Emotional Journey
Only the good players can stop James Fisher-Harris on the footy field, but only the great ones can make him cry. The famously stoic Penrith prop admits he had a rare moment of emotional release ahead of his 200th NRL game as he watched video well-wishes sent in from around the national-sport.
Messages from Rivals
The Panthers organised for the Fisher-Harris family to record messages for Saturday's milestone, reaching out to ex-Panthers teammate Viliame Kikau, Melbourne hard man Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Canberra prop Joe Tapine. Fisher-Harris has made a career out of fronting up for tough carries and never backing down, but when those walls came down ahead of the 18-12 defeat of Gold Coast, he took a moment to reflect.
A Special Moment
A message from Tapine, Fisher-Harris' front-row partner in crime for New Zealand, proved particularly moving. "It was just a respect thing," said Fisher-Harris. "When they talk like that, it’s just a respect thing from rivals." Fisher-Harris and Tapine, key figures in last year's Pacific Test triumph, continue to sharpen each other's game.
The Emotional Farewell
P Pending results this finals series, Fisher-Harris could have as few as two games left before leaving the Panthers to join the Warriors next season. Reflecting on his emotional week, Fisher-Harris mentioned, "I think it’s just a bit of everything. It was good messages from genuine people and people that I love." He faces off against another elite prop when the Panthers host the Sydney Roosters in the finals.
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