Two best friends will go head-to-head for the first time in their illustrious careers this Saturday afternoon over in New Zealand.
Kiwi internationals Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris – who won four straight premierships together at Penrith between 2021-2024 – will clash as opponents for the first time this weekend when the ninth-placed Panthers battle the third-placed Warriors in Auckland.
Whilst at the Panthers, Leota and Fisher-Harris shared a special friendship together for many years. Not only were they a feared and formidable pairing on the field, but the duo had a close bond off it – proving their relationship went well beyond footy.
Speaking on the eve of their highly anticipated reunion, Leota said he’s not sure what to expect when he sees his best mate in a Warriors jersey for the first time.
“It’s going to be different,” he told the Weekender.
“I’m not sure what it’s going to feel like because I’ve never experienced it before. It’s one of those things that you’ll find out on game day.
“I always look forward to going back home, I’ve got family in Auckland. Obviously we haven’t played there since 2019, so I’m pretty excited.”
While it’s true Leota and Fisher-Harris have never played on opposite teams before; it’s not the first time that the 29-year-old has played against former teammates who he spent many years in the ‘trenches’ with. Prior to the bye Leota went toe-to-toe with Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva at the Tigers.
Leota said there’s never any hard feelings when he plays against ex-teammates.
“Not really… I think we just try and do our best for our teams,” he said.
“We’re all competitors at the end of the day and we want our team to win, so there’s no hard feelings.
“I have nothing planned with Fish as of yet, but I’ll have to go see him after the game. I’m just a ‘go with the flow’ kind of guy, so we’ll probably just chill out I reckon.”
The Warriors have been one of the surprise packets of the season, sitting third on the NRL ladder after 15 rounds. Leota said their form can largely be put down to the impact that Fisher-Harris has had on the side.
“Fish is one of those guys that commands respect and he’s also one of those guys that always wants to get his preparation right and do the little things right,” he said.
“Those little things can add up to big things and that’s why I think they are doing so well.”
While Ivan Cleary has named a strong Penrith side to take on his former club, the Panthers will still be missing five of their Origin stars who played in Perth on Wednesday night.
One player who appears to be making the long trek from WA to New Zealand via Sydney is Blues 19th man Lindsay Smith. Leota said seeing his new front-row partner in sky blue was really special.
“He’s really taken his game to another level, and I think he’s one of those guys that can get better and will get better just by being in the Blues camp,” he said.
“I think he’s been doing a good job just playing his game this season. Everyone has a different style, and he’s got his own.”
Penrith will go into this Saturday’s match at a sold-out Go Media Stadium as big outsiders due to the personnel missing for the Panthers. Leota said if his side are going to upset the ‘Wahs’ without their big guns, defence is paramount.
“We need to take more pride in our defence and us leaders have to lead the other boys around a bit better,” he said.
“I’m not trying to look too far ahead, but everything comes off the back of our preparation and what we do throughout the week.”
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.