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.
4. Oregon Kaufusi
With Addin Fonua-Blake arriving at the Sharks in 2025, the competition for spots in that pack is heating up.
Cronulla have already re-signed Braden Hamlin-Uele, Toby Rudolf, Jesse Colquhoun and Tuku Hau Tapuha while Jack Williams re-signing looks close.
Meanwhile Royce Hunt and Tom Hazelton are also in the running for middle spots with the lock due of Dale Finucane, Cam McInnes and recent bench forward Sifa Talakai.
I understand Kaufusi has a "mutual option" for 2025 but ultimately if the club isn't on board, I'm not sure how mutual that would be.
As it stands AFB, BHU, Rudolf and Williams have four spots sewn up while McInnes is the obvious 13. Hazelton and Talakai are undroppable right now.
That leaves Kaufusi as the odd man out.
His form at the Sharks has been ok. Solid. I may even be undervaluing him there.
The fact remains he has talent. He store the Roosters to shreds last year, which is the game that convinced me he could be a upper tier prop.
Availability the best ability and I just can't see the Sharks standing in his way. I also cannot see Kaufusi turning down that opportunity knowing what is arriving in the Shire.
We absolutely have not seen the best of Kausufi yet. We may see it at the foot of the mountains.
