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James Fisher-Harris has emerged as the leading contender to be named new Kiwis captain, but must first survive a battle with a hulking New Zealand teammate intent on causing “chaos” in Friday’s preliminary final.
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire is on the lookout for a new leader after long-time skipper Jesse Bromwich opted to retire from the international game after 33 Tests. While there are several experienced candidates to choose from – including Joseph Tapine, Jahrome Hughes, Shaun Johnson, Keiran Foran and Moses Leota – the honour is likely to go to Fisher-Harris.
The Penrith prop, who has already filled in as New Zealand captain on one occasion, said he would be proud to be considered for the role on a full-time basis.
“It would mean a lot,” Fisher-Harris told this masthead. “I got to captain one game last year versus Jamaica and it was pretty special for me and my family.
“I would definitely put my hand up. I’m not the perfect speaker or anything like that, but if the team needs me to be captain, I’ll do it. I’ve got to back myself and lead the way I do. I think [leading through actions rather than words] is my strength.
“Kiwis is very special to me, to be honest. I haven’t had much opportunity to play due to injuries and Covid and stuff like that. I’ll take it with both hands and do what I can to put the jersey in a better place.”
James Fisher-Harris is widely regarded as one of the best props in the game.Credit: Janie Barrett/SMH
First, Fisher-Harris will lead a formidable Penrith forward pack against a Melbourne side containing Kiwis teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona. In an interview during the week, Asofa-Solomona said he had taken lessons about professionalism from Penrith props Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota during their time together in Kiwis camp.
In the same breath, the two-metre enforcer promised to “cause chaos” in an anticipated finals clash between the forward packs.
“He has been doing that all year,” Fisher Harris said. “That’s who he is, he’s a big boy, too. It’s like anything when you cross that line, they are not your friends anymore. It’s just a bit of respect to the game, I guess. You have to respect the game and play a certain way and then everyone is all good off the field.”
Asofa-Solomona will make himself available for Test duty after participating in the “Battle on the Reef”, a footy fight night which includes his bout against Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace. The October 7 event, which also features Junior Paulo, Jason Taumalolo and Regan Campbell-Gillard in Townsville, is available to watch and order on Stan Sport.
“I would definitely put my hand up. I’m not the perfect speaker or anything like that, but if the team needs me to be captain, I’ll do it.”
“He’s a big boy, I wouldn’t want to stand in front of that,” Leota said of Asofa-Solomona. “He’s looking good, good luck [to his opponent].”
Leota said Fisher-Harris was an inspiration to play alongside.
“He’s great, he gives all of us confidence to go out there and play our game,” he said. “You always know he is going to go out there and give it 100 per cent. To play alongside him is one of the best feelings.”
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
The Battle on the Reef Pay-Per-View on Saturday, October 7, will be available to watch and order only on Stan.
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