Left-wing connections: To'o working on 'new' combination

Brian To'o was at his energetic best against the Eels on Saturday night but was limited in an area he was hoping to get some practice in as he adjusts to an edge switch in 2021 – turning chances into tries.

To'o made his Telstra Premiership debut on the left wing in 2019 but didn't return as Josh Mansour occupied that role for the past two seasons.

Mansour's departure to the Rabbitohs has opened the door for To'o to link up with close mates Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai on the same edge.

The Panthers left edge looked dangerous in their 60-minute stint with their arch-rivals but To'o was restricted when it came to getting an opportunity to get over the line.

"It's the same job for me but [the game] was a little bit harder to get into a rhythm straight away," To'o told NRL.com.

"It's something to work on and I'll try and get used to it quickly. I've played there before but I'm more weakened with my left hand so I'm trying to get used to doing things like diving with it at training.

"A lot of left-side players might still use their right hand, but others are good with both to get the ball down.

"You grip the ball anytime you can, whether you're stretching or on the field … it's about just getting used to it."

In To'o's favour, the 22-year-old spent time with Crichton in the under 20s system on the left edge.

Those two may be together, but it's 24-year-old Luai who calls the shots next to Viliame Kikau.

"We let Romey [Luai] do his thing but you always have to expect the ball," To'o said.

"He can cut out Critta and Billy to find me or go along the line. It's even more special that we've got that strong bond together.

"I think that's what makes it more powerful on the field and that we can learn more about each other as the years go."

As for getting used to his new wing opponents, To'o's trial run-in with Blake Ferguson kick-started proceedings during their match-up.

"He was asking me if I was fit enough this year and calling it a mismatch," To'o laughed.

"It was funny but it's something new for me to come up against some new faces after being on the other edge."