Blues winger Brian To’o could be PNG’s next big signing, with Penrith reportedly expecting him to leave at the end of next season as a potential player exodus looms.
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Zero Tackle reported that To’o will not be re-signing with the Panthers beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of 2027, according to sources close to him and his management.
To’o is free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 and it is understood his preference is to join Jarome Luai at the PNG Chiefs.
The Chiefs have already signed the best man at his wedding Luai to a $1.2m a season tax free deal, while Souths flyer Alex Johnston will also join the club in year one.
Roosters utility Connor Watson looks set to be the third player to sign for the Chiefs via a one-year deal with the Dragons, which is yet to be confirmed.
The Samoan winger has been on unders at the Panthers for most of his career after signing a long-term extension that didn’t match his value as one of the best wingers in the game.
To’o is set to cash in at the back end of his career by inking a deal for the tax free dollars in PNG to subsidise the money he has lost over his prime years.
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NRL 2025 PF Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers – Brian To’o. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied
Currently on $625,000 at the Panthers, To’o could potentially triple his annual pay packet at the Chiefs when you take into account the tax free loophole and third party dollars.
The 27-year-old turns 30 in 2028, which is the Chiefs’ inaugural season in the NRL and he could yet sign a three or four-year deal to finish his career at the expansion club.
To’o has scored 95 tries in 144 games for the Panthers since his debut in 2019 and won four premierships from five grand finals.
The brilliant winger has also scored 11 tries in 15 Origins for the Blues to date and six tries in 11 Tests for Samoa and will add to his NSW tally on Wednesday night.
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The Panthers have another 11 players coming off-contract in 2027 with Paul Alamoti, Nathan Cleary, Sione Fonua, Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Isaiah Papali’i, Luron Patea, Billy Scott, Blaize Talagi and Isaah Yeo all potentially set to attract interest from PNG and other rival clubs.
Of those players Yeo, Cleary, Martin and Kenny have indicated they would be open to joining the Chiefs and will explore their options come November 1.
Penrith also have Tom Ale, Jack Cole, Kalani Going, Thomas Jenkins and Freddy Lussick off-contract at the end of 2026, with Jenkins the most likely of that group to leave.
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