Lock in for the brothers: Another title is Brian's chief concern

Brian To’o admits he never saw himself playing in any other colours than the Penrith Panthers, which is why signing on with the PNG Chiefs for 2028 has been such a hard decision. 

Speaking for the first time since he became Chiefs signing #006 three weeks ago, To’o said he feels a large weight has been lifted now that his family, the Panthers and his teammates have all been told. 

“I’m really grateful that the Panthers were there to support me through the whole process,” To’o said.

Probably the hardest one first was telling my family but it’s now a lot of weight off my shoulders having their support. 

“I’m really happy with my decision and it’s all waiting for me in 2028.  

“For now I’ve just got to lock in for the brothers at Penrith.” 

Second to his family was fronting the teammates he has stood side by side with through a golden Panthers that produced four premierships.

“That was another hard thing - standing up in front of the boys and telling them myself, and the club also," he said.

“As much as it really hurts me, it kind of works out for everyone. It means some other boys can get a great opportunity with the Panthers.” 

The 28-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs and that frees up money for the Panthers trying to keep the bulk of its squad intact since they lose three to the Perth Bears next year in Jack Cole, Scott Sorenson and Liam Henry, while hooker Freddy Lussick confirmed last week he is off to the Bulldogs. 

To’o will be around in 2027 but he was happy to be out of the headlines now that the Chiefs deal has been made public. 

“Yes, 100 per cent. It allows me to focus on the Panthers now,” the representative winger said. 

“To be honest I didn’t see myself in a different jersey than the Panthers.  

“But once the opportunity came to change peoples’ lives in PNG that was something I would love to do. 

“Not only to I get to changes their lives, but they’ll change mine as well.” 

He also will link with former Panthers, NSW, and Samoan teammate Jarome Luai. 

“That makes it special as well to be back with him... so really excited.” 

The more immediate priority is Penrith’s bid for a fourth minor premiership in seven years when they tackle Wests Tigers in the final round.

The Panthers and Warriors are equal on 40 competition points with the Wahs on top by virtue of a single point on for and against (+309 to +308).

“It’s definitely going to help us in the coming weeks as we work on ourselves and how to be better,” To’o said. 

“We’re still building and those types of games have had that semi-final feeling to them.” 

The clash against the Tigers will bring To’o ad Luai together again – but on opposite sides of the CommBank Stadium field.