Utoikamanu told this masthead: “I want to stay at the Tigers; I’ve loved every minute I’ve been here, and they’ve given me my big opportunity to become the player I am now.”
Fisher-Harris was given permission to return to New Zealand on compassionate grounds, which has left the premiers on the lookout – and with money to spend – for a front-rower.
’They’re very unusual clauses … We’re not that club any more
Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson
Fisher-Harris spoke to this masthead on Monday, a day after he reached out to the Warriors about joining them, and detailed how he had this year delayed returning to the NRL in order to spend time with family following the death of his grandfather.
“It was his time, everyone is at peace, but it was good to get back and see all the family,” Fisher-Harris said.
“He was fighting dementia for a bit. Then he had a bit of a fall. He pretty much went downhill after that, really quickly.
“I booked the flights home, but he passed [before I got home].
“We were as close as we could be. He was in the mines, he spent time in Australia for a long time. He was on the Goldie [Gold Coast], and whenever I play against the Goldie or Brisbane, he’d get there. He also came down here a few times. We made it work.
“I missed two games [in rounds three and four]. I took my time and stayed there, instead of rushing back to try and play against the Roosters.
“I was pretty adamant I didn’t want to rush home, and I wanted to be with my family.”
Even when Fisher-Harris won the Golden Boot in December, he made a point about needing to take time out to catch up with loved ones, and his love of New Zealand.
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Fisher-Harris was even keen to go against Benji Marshall’s Tigers on Saturday in Bathurst and said of his former teammate who is now the head coach: “Benji is the man. I have a heap of respect for him, especially being a Maori and New Zealander.
“He’s done everything, man. And there are not too many Maori coaches. That’s something we can all strive for.”
