For only the second time in the club’s history, the One New Zealand Warriors will have co-captains after unveiling Mitchell Barnett and James Fisher-Harris as dual leaders for the 2025 NRL season at tonight’s season launch.
They replace incumbent captain Tohu Harris who announced his immediate retirement last month after leading the Warriors 52 times since being appointed in 2022 following Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s switch to rugby union.
Both Barnett and Fisher-Harris bring significant leadership experience to the table.
“They’re terrific examples of what leadership is about, both commanding respect from all around them through their actions above all,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“Rather than having one captain, we felt Mitch and James have so much to offer as co-captains. It was a no brainer given their qualities.”
After Harris’ 2024 season finished early, Barnett (30) captained the side for the last nine games of the campaign starting with the exceptional against-the-odds victory over the Dolphins.
He also assumed the captaincy the previous week in the Magic Round match against the Panthers after original skipper for the game Wayde Egan was forced off the field just 12 minutes into the contest.
"I went around to Webby's (Andrew Webster) house for a coffee and he dropped it (the co-captaincy) on me,” Barnett said at tonight's announcement.
"I was obviously excited. It was a great opportunity for me, for my family and also for Fish.
"I don't want to be anything different than I've already been. I just want to be the player everyone wants to play with."
New signing Fisher-Harris (29) brings credentials as Kiwi captain in 2023-2024 including leading his country to a record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos to secure the Pacific Championships title in 2023.
For the last five seasons he has led the way for the Panthers’ pack in five consecutive grand finals including four straight premiership victories.
"It's been a hectic last month or so for me getting used to the new surroundings here," said Fisher-Harris.
"When Webby gave me the news I was stoked. I want to give back (to the game). That's why I came back and being co-captain is really special."
The only other time the One New Zealand Warriors have had co-captains was in 2001 when Stacey Jones and Kevin Campion shared the responsibility, combining to lead the club to the finals for the first time.
