“You can’t compete”: Cleary opens up on Brian To’o and that Chiefs deal • The Western Weekender

Brian To’o. Photo: NRL Photos.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says it’s hard to imagine Brian To’o wearing any other NRL jersey but that will be the reality in 2028 after the popular winger signed a three-year deal to join new franchise the PNG Chiefs.

The rich contract will see To’o link up with best mate and formers Panthers premiership winner Jarome Luai when the Chiefs enter the competition in less than two years’ time.

Penrith announced To’o’s impending departure on Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the community and the rugby league world.

While To’o leaving after his current contract with the Panthers was certainly on the cards, no one expected it to be completed so soon, with NRL free agency not officially open until November 1.

Brian To’o. Photo: NRL Photos.

Speaking with the media on Wednesday morning, Cleary said the club allowed To’o to negotiate with the Chiefs – and the Chiefs only – for one week to avoid anymore distractions leading into the all-important Finals period.

“We had enough evidence that that was a possibility, so we just wanted to get it done,” Cleary said of To’o’s interest in the Chiefs.

“This year there’s been a lot of guys off-contract and the sooner we can sort that out the better, and I guess this was one of those instances.”

To’o has played 151 games for the Panthers during his decorated eight-year NRL career, which started back in 2019. Cleary said the club would have loved to have re-signed the former Origin winger but that they could never compete with the amount of tax-free dollars the Chiefs were offering.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

“Of course we wanted him to stay but I think everyone knows with the Chiefs that it’s hard to match that stuff. It’s not your average club but if players want to go there you can’t compete,” he said.

“We think we run a pretty good program here [at Panthers] and the boys all know that. But the evidence is there… there’s been enough players that have had to leave or have chosen to leave for bigger and better things and that’s the tax you have to pay for success, and we have to pay it.”

Cleary said To’o, who is now a father of two, was emotional when telling his coach and teammates of his decision to leave his junior club at the end of 2027.

“It was a hard one for him to tell all his mates and even his family. He’s had a fair bit on his plate lately and he probably feels a bit lighter now,” Cleary said.

Brian To’o with his parents. Photo: NRL Photos.

“It’s hard to imagine Bizza playing in any other jersey but there’s a few guys out there where I thought the same.

“It’s part of the deal and we’ve had a lot of success over the last seven years and what comes with that is that you can’t keep everyone.”

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, fellow Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins, who recently re-signed with the club until the end of 2029, said he is proud of his mentor and teammate for putting his family first.

“As much as it’s emotional and it’s sad to see him go, he’s got a job to here this year and next year but I could probably speak for everyone here and say that we’re just so stoked for him and his lovely family. They deserve what’s to come and I’m excited for him,” he said.

Tom Jenkins chats to journalist Nathan Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Jenkins said To’o, who has scored 99 tries for the Panthers and counting, has been pivotal in his development at Penrith.

“Bizza’s been massive for me,” he said.

“He’s someone I look up to and continue to look up to now and I learn so much from him and so much of my journey is a credit to him.

“He’s been massive for me, so influential. I love him!”

PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said securing a player of To’o’s calibre was another important step in building the club’s inaugural squad.

“Brian has performed at the highest level of rugby league for many years and knows exactly what is required to create and sustain a winning environment,” he said.

“He brings competitiveness, consistency, and an enormous work ethic, but equally important for us is what he brings culturally. To secure a player of Brian’s quality, character and cultural strength is a huge moment for the Chiefs.”

Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.