RUGBY LEAGUE-MAD Papua New Guinea has erupted with excitement following news that the PNG Chiefs have landed their biggest marquee signing yet, securing four-time Penrith Panthers premiership winger Brian To’o on a three-year deal starting in 2028.
In a lightning-fast negotiation, The Chiefs had just over seven days to strike the high-profile deal with the Samoan international.
To’o was due to enter the final 12 months of his Panthers contract on November 1, but Penrith allowed a brief window for talks to prevent distraction during their premiership push.
To’o informed Penrith powerbrokers last week, just days before their clash against the Warriors in Auckland, that he had agreed to terms to join the NRL’s newest franchise in Port Moresby.
“The club has maintained a strong position that this cohort of players has absolutely earned the right to choose what is the next step in their rugby league journey,” Penrith Chief Executive Matt Cameron said.
“We are so proud of what Brian has been able to do for our community and fully respect the decision he has made. It’s an exciting period for the game as the NRL continues to grow, and we believe a strong competition is ultimately good for rugby league.”
The blockbusting 27-year-old becomes Chiefs Player #006, reuniting with close friend Jarome Luai in PNG for the club’s inaugural NRL Telstra Premiership campaign. Luai, who served as best man at To’o’s wedding, played an influential role in convincing the explosive winger to commit his future to Port Moresby.
To’o brings an elite winning resume to PNG, boasting 151 NRL appearances, 99 tries, four premiership rings, 17 State of Origin caps for the NSW Blues, and 11 Tests for Samoa.
PNG Chiefs CEO, Lorna McPherson said To’o’s decision to join the Chiefs was significant for both the club and the wider Pacific rugby league community.
“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football,” she said.
“The PNG Chiefs will be a club proudly built in Papua New Guinea but with a strong Pacific identity. Across our region, family, culture, community, and rugby league are deeply connected, and Brian represents those values every time he takes the field.
“He is fiercely proud of his Samoan heritage, incredibly close to his family and understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself. That is exactly the kind of person we want wearing the Chiefs jersey.
“We want young people across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific to look at this team and see themselves in it. Brian choosing to become part of the Chiefs sends a powerful message about the club we are building and what this team can represent for our region, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him, his wife and children into the Chiefs family.”
To’o joins a growing list of stars committing to the Santos National Football Stadium at Boroko, alongside Luai, Connor Watson, PNG Kumuls star Alex Johnston, Zac Lomax, and English international Matty Lees.
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.
“We are building this club from the ground up, and the standards established by our first group of players will shape our club for generations. Brian understands family, sacrifice, humility, and togetherness. Those are values shared across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. To secure a player of Brian’s quality, character and cultural strength is a huge moment for the Chiefs.”
While To’o is yet to set foot at the club’s home base at Santos Stadium, local fans will likely get their first glimpse of the superstar when he travels to Port Moresby with Samoa’s World Cup squad later this year.
Source: Australian Associated Press