Jarome Luai is the new face of Pepsi in PNG, and Brian To’o has jokingly offered to go up against his great mate if Coke Zero want him to get involved.
To’o and Luai will reunite in Port Moresby in 2028, with ‘Bizza’ happy to start the fizz wars if his favourite soft drink needs his services.
The powerhouse Panthers winger has one of the most infamous diets in rugby league, with To’o feasting on two breakfast burgers, a bowl of chips and six cans of Coke Zero for breakfast before a big game.
“I would love to be the face of it,” he laughed when asked about a possible partnership.
“If it’s out there then 100 per cent (I want to do it) but we’ll just see what happens.”
The Chiefs have made a splash with several big signings, including To’o who put pen to paper a few weeks ago on a three-year deal.
It was a massive call for the Panthers star who has won four premierships with Penrith and scored 102 tries since making his debut in 2019.
“To be honest, I didn’t really see myself in a different jersey other than Panthers,” he said.
“But I think once the opportunity came about, changing people’s lives in PNG, I thought that’s definitely an opportunity that I would love to take.
“Being able to change their lives, and not only change their lives, but they can also change mine as well.”
While he had been heavily linked with a move to the newest franchise on a lucrative deal, it didn’t make it any easier when he had to tell family and teammates that he would be leaving his home in Sydney’s west.
“I’m really grateful that Panthers were there to support me through the whole process,” he said.
“Probably the hardest part was just telling my family. Even telling my family really lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders for their support through the whole process.
“I’m really happy with my decision. That awaits for me in 2028, I’ve just got to lock in for the brothers at the Panthers right now.
“(Telling teammates) was probably another hard thing, being able to stand up in front of the boys and also tell the club as well.
“As much as it really hurts me, I think it kind of works out for everyone. The young boys get their own opportunities for the Panthers and they’re obviously going to be in a better place as well.
“It just allows me to focus on the present moment with the Panthers and when that opportunity comes in 2028, then it comes.”
There will be plenty of fresh faces at the Chiefs, but To’o is looking forward to playing with Luai again after the five-eighth left Penrith to join the Tigers last year.
The Samoan teammates are extremely close off the field, with the only potential drama set to come at the dinner table when they have to order different soft drinks.
“That makes it more special as well, to be back with the Uso,” he said.
“I’m really excited.”
Originally published as NRL star Brian To’o reveals why he is leaving Panthers for PNG