'Tough to say goodbye': Leota eager to send Fisher-Harris out a winner

Penrith forward Moses Leota has vowed to continue the legacy set by close friend James Fisher-Harris when he departs the club following Sunday's grand final.

The prop shocked the league world when he announced he was moving to New Zealand and joining the Warriors next season after being granted a release from his contract on compassionate grounds. 

Leota, a teammate of nine years, was among the hardest hit and has slowly come to terms with the fact this is their last season together in Penrith. 

Sunday's decider against the Storm will mark their final game as Panthers teammates and Leota is eager to taste success one last time.

"It's going to be tough to say goodbye," Leota told pan66.com. "When it first happened I was really gutted, now I'm just enjoying the moment and taking each day as it comes. I'm enjoying every moment before it ends.  

"Playing one more grand final together is really special and it's something we'll look back on when we retire. It'll be good to finish on a high."

While Sunday marks Leota and Fisher-Harris' last club game together, they are set to reunite with the Kiwis for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

Also joining the pair in Stacey Jones' squad will be Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes.

The playmaker played a key role in orchestrating the Kiwis' stunning 30-0 victory over Australia in last year's final and has carried that form into a dominant NRL season. 

Hughes was named the Dally M Medal winner on Wednesday night and is looking to lead the Storm past Penrith in Sunday's grand final. 

While Leota is excited to reunite with his close friend, his current focus is on shutting down the Melbourne halfback. 

"He was a massive part of our Pacific Championships victory," Leota said. "The way he led us around the park was incredible. 

"In every great team you have a great half. He did that for us, he's brought it into this year and had a killer season for the Storm."

Fisher-Harris' looming departure from the Panthers will see plenty of attention turn to Leota's role as the pack's leader. 

While Fisher-Harris carries the higher profile, those within the club recognise Leota is already playing a crucial role developing the emerging players within the squad.