Brian To’o will join great mate Jarome Luai at the PNG Chiefs in 2028 after the brilliant Penrith winger signed a three-year deal to join the league’s newest franchise.
The Panthers junior will spend one more season with the premiership favourites before he heads north to join a team that is doing big things on and off the field before its entry into the NRL competition.
“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football,” Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson said.
“The PNG Chiefs will be a club proudly built in Papua New Guinea but with a strong Pacific identity. Across our region, family, culture, community, and rugby league are deeply connected, and Brian represents those values every time he takes the field.
“He is fiercely proud of his Samoan heritage, incredibly close to his family and understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself. That is exactly the kind of person we want wearing the Chiefs jersey.
“We want young people across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific to look at this team and see themselves in it.
“Brian choosing to become part of the Chiefs sends a powerful message about the club we are building and what this team can represent for our region, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him, his wife and children into the Chiefs family.”
To’o made his Panthers debut in 2019 and has won four premierships with the club, while he’s also starred on the wing for NSW and Samoa.
The powerful 27-year-old has scored 99 tries for Penrith and is one of the best outside backs when it comes to making metres out of the backfield.
“Brian is an exceptional player, but he’s an even better person. He’s a great teammate, a devoted family man and someone who brings so much energy and positivity to our club every day,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.
“He’s been a huge part of what we’ve built here and we’re looking forward to sharing one more season with him before he begins his next chapter.”
To’o will join former Penrith teammate Jarome Luai in PNG, with the Chiefs also securing the services of Zac Lomax as they continue to build a formidable roster for their inaugural season.
The Panthers have several stars off contract at the end of 2027 with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin to become free agents on November 1.
“The club has maintained a strong position that this cohort of players has absolutely earned the right to choose what is the next step in their rugby league journey,” Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron said.
“We are so proud of what Brian has been able to do for our community and fully respect the decision he has made.
“It’s an exciting period for the game as the NRL continues to grow, and we believe a strong competition is ultimately good for rugby league.”
Originally published as Signings tracker: Brian To’o signs long-term deal to join the PNG Chiefs