'Dead-set perfect': Panthers hail To'o wonder try as juggernaut rolls on

Brian To'o has his sights on the NRL Try of the Year award after producing a spectacular four-pointer that helped the Panthers deliver a premiership statement on Friday night. 

The Panthers winger produced a moment of individual brilliance that turned the game on its head, executing a stunning double grubber to put Penrith in front during their dominant 40-4 win over the Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

At 3-0, the team from the foot of the mountains is already looking every bit the side to beat. While their spine continues to control games, it is the impact from the edges, led by To’o, that is elevating them to another level.

After trailing early inside the opening 10 minutes, the four-time premiers quickly found their rhythm, with Thomas Jenkins crossing first for Penrith. But it was To’o’s piece of magic that proved the turning point.

Chasing his own kick, the Origin winger regathered before calmly putting boot to ball again, finishing off a rare double grubber that left the Roosters scrambling and handed Penrith the momentum for good.

Even the game’s most accurate and elite kicker, Nathan Cleary, was impressed.

“I might ask him for a few tips on grubbers, they were dead-set perfect,” Cleary said post-match.

For a player who has already achieved so much, including four premierships, more than 130 NRL games, 90 tries and multiple representative honours, To’o somehow continues to add new highlights to his resume.

While he is yet to claim a Try of the Year award, this effort will go straight to the top of the contenders list. A double grubber to score is rarely seen, let alone executed with such control under pressure.

Coach Ivan Cleary admitted even he was caught off guard.

“One thing I will say about Bizza is that he will always surprise you with what he can do,” Cleary said.

“That was a key play in the game. It put us ahead after a pretty tight period, and then we scored again straight after. It was a crucial moment.”

From there, it was all one-way traffic. Penrith piled on the points to run out convincing winners and continue their perfect start to the 2026 season.

“You need your best players to come up with moments in tight situations,” Cleary said.

“We have had that across the first three games, and hopefully that continues.”