James Fisher-Harris set rugby league circles ablaze on Wednesday afternoon when his signing with the Warriors was announced.
In the social media age, it's very rare that a signing of this stature is announced without days or even weeks of speculation.
Congratulations to both the Warriors and Panthers for allowing this process to play out behind closed doors.
JFH has been one of the game's elite props in the past few seasons. Top five certainly, I could even be talked into naming him in the top three.
If you wanted to even put him second behind Payne Haas, that would be fine with me.
His loss will be felt by Penrith. Perhaps even more than the list of superstars they've lost recently.
As good as he is on the park, and that is very good, he is a leader of the club and sets the example. He will be missed.
rugby league moves on quickly though and the Panthers have already been linked with a host of replacements.
I've tried to keep these as players that could be genuinely be available. Obviously if you're Penrith you want to read the names Joseph Tapine, Payne Haas or the like, but we're talking a limited, available player pool.
Below are the five I'd offer up as potential replacements for James Fisher-Harris:
Honorable Mention: Nelson Asofa-Solomona
If the Storm big man were to be made available, I have no doubt that Ivan Cleary would be very tempted.
Given he is back in the Storm setup though, I just can't see Craig Bellamy letting him go at this stage.
2. Wiremu Greig
Wiremu Greig is too good to be playing in NSW Cup. Way too good!
I can hear people in the comments already - "why would you replace JFH with someone so far from his stature?", as if it's easy to find someone anywhere near his stature on such short notice.
Greig is 24. He's also 192 cms and 124 kilos of hulking muscle and I thought was one of the Eels best middles last season.
He is screaming out for an opportunity and I'm sure will be a name we are talking about in 12 months time.
Greig obviously isn't a priority in the Eels set up. I'm not having a go there by any stretch. With the names, and money, the Eels have on their books elsewhere, why would he be?
You add a full, concentrated off-season though under Ivan Cleary and I guarantee you we're talking about a completely different player.
If the Panthers want to source a cost effective option and bank on potential, Greig is their man.
Off contract at the end of 2025, I doubt the Eels would slam the door shut on a potential early move if the opportunity was there.
Yes I fully understand his resume doesn't match others on here but in terms of pure potential, and size, Greig is a frightening prospect.
