Moses Leota admits it was “sad” to see long-time Penrith teammate James Fisher-Harris leave the club, but is ready to usher in a new era this season.
The pair came through lower grades grades together at the Panthers before debuting in the NRL in 2016, striking a bond that translated into on-field success.
Leota and Fisher-Harris were integral in the side’s four-straight premiership triumphs, forming a lethal front-row combination that will go down as one of the game’s best.
However, the desire to return to New Zealand and join the Warriors for Fisher-Harris was too strong, leading to an emotional exit from the Panthers after the 2024 grand final.
Speaking to Wide World of Sports ahead of the season, Leota opened up on his close mate’s departure and reflected on their time together since they were teenagers.
“Just looking back on when we started, we were both so young,” he said.
“To be where we are now and to have won four comps with him, it’s pretty special.
“All the hard work we put in throughout those years paid off and it’s something I will cherish forever and the one thing that comes to mind is a brotherhood.
“I look at him as my brother, my family – we were like this [so close], together every day.
“It was sad to see him go, but I’m sure I will get over it.”
While both men have laid the platform, Fisher-Harris has often been the man to receive all the plaudits from outside the four walls at Penrith.
The 29-year-old Kiwis captain has been named the Dally M Front-Rower of the Year on two separate occasions, while Leota has never earned the individual honour.
Despite that, Leota is confident the Panthers can fill the void left by Fisher-Harris and he has vowed to be the one to set an example for the rest of the squad.
“That’s the plan, to be a leader for all these young kids and lead by my actions,” he said.
“Hopefully they see me working hard and learn from that.
“Every player that comes in has lifted their game with that next man up mentality. It should be the same this year and I just have to do my job within the team.
“We’ve all had a taste of winning and winning is fun. It’s become second nature for us and all the young boys coming through, they want to taste that as well.
“That’s what is keeping us going.”
Among the players who are expected to stand up in 2025 is fellow prop Lindsay Smith, who earned a surprise spot in the Kangaroos squad at the back-end of last year.
Leota heaped praise on the local junior and believes he is ready to “elevate his game”.
“Lindsay is a really talented young fella,” he said.
“I’m happy he made that Kangaroos squad and that should help him elevate his game.
“He is way more confident this year and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him.”
Penrith will kick off their campaign in Las Vegas against the Sharks on March 2 (AEDT).
