Parramatta Eels Reportedly Reject Three-Year Deal for Former Panthers Star

 

In a surprising turn of events that has caught the attention of NRL fans across the country, the Parramatta Eels have reportedly opted against signing former Penrith Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris, despite a proposed three-year deal being discussed behind the scenes.

 

While speculation had been mounting for weeks regarding a potential shift for Fisher-Harris following his announced departure from the Panthers, sources close to the Eels camp now suggest the club has “dropped” the idea entirely, choosing instead to focus on developing existing talent and reassessing recruitment priorities heading into 2026.

 

Fisher-Harris, a New Zealand international and three-time premiership winner with Penrith, recently signed a deal to return home and join the New Zealand Warriors from 2025. However, whispers emerged earlier this season indicating the Eels had considered making a play for the prop before he finalized that decision. At one point, a lucrative three-year package was believed to be on the table, reportedly worth close to $2.1 million.

 

But insiders now reveal that concerns over salary cap pressures, squad balance, and long-term planning caused the club to back away.

 

“James is a world-class player, no doubt about that,” said an Eels source who asked not to be named. “But we’ve got young forwards we believe in, and we need to be smarter with our cap. The timing just wasn’t right for us.”

 

The Eels have endured a turbulent 2025 season so far, with pressure mounting on the coaching staff and questions being asked about the direction of the squad. Injuries and form slumps have seen the team struggle to find consistency, and many fans were hopeful that a high-profile forward signing would inject new life into the club’s fortunes.

 

Still, the decision to reject a big-money deal for a veteran like Fisher-Harris may signal a shift in recruitment strategy for Parramatta.

 

NRL pundits have had mixed reactions. Former Blues coach Laurie Daley commented on SEN Radio, “I’m surprised they didn’t push harder. Fisher-Harris is the kind of player who lifts everyone around him. But if they’re backing their junior forwards, maybe they see a longer-term benefit.”

 

Others see it as a missed opportunity for a team that hasn’t reached a grand final since their 2022 appearance. “Parramatta need toughness in the middle,” said one commentator on Fox League. “Fisher-Harris would’ve brought that in spades.”

 

As for the player himself, Fisher-Harris appears committed to his upcoming move to the Warriors. “It’s time to go home,” he said earlier this year. “I’ve achieved a lot at Penrith, and I’m proud of it, but I’m ready for a new chapter.”

 

Whether Parramatta’s decision to pass on one of the NRL’s most dominant forwards will pay off remains to be seen. For now, the blue and gold faithful can only hope their club has a clear plan in mind for rebuilding and climbing back into premiership contention