Chiefs sign premiership winger To'o away from Panthers

Brian To'o, a celebrated winger known for his role in the Penrith Panthers' dynasty, will depart the club at the end of the 2027 season. He has signed a three-year contract with the PNG Chiefs, set to compete in their inaugural National Rugby League (NRL) season in 2028.

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Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football. The PNG Chiefs will be a club proudly built in Papua New Guinea but with a strong Pacific identity.

To'o's move marks a significant acquisition for the Chiefs, who are actively building their roster. He is the sixth player to commit to the new franchise. The winger has been a pivotal figure in the Panthers' success, contributing to four consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2024. He has played 151 matches for the Panthers since his 2019 debut, scoring 99 tries, and has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Samoa internationally.

PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson emphasized that To'o's signing transcends his on-field talent. "Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football," McPherson stated. "The PNG Chiefs will be a club proudly built in Papua New Guinea but with a strong Pacific identity." She added that To'o embodies the values of family, culture, and community, which are central to the club's ethos and its connection to the region.

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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.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary acknowledged To'o's immense contribution to the team's achievements. "He's been a huge part of what we've built here and we're looking forward to sharing one more season with him before he begins his next chapter," Cleary said. The Chiefs have also secured other notable players, including former Panthers teammate Jarome Luai, all-time leading try scorer Alex Johnston, and NSW Origin representative Zac Lomax, signaling strong ambitions for their debut season.

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Brian is an exceptional player, but he's an even better person. He's a great teammate, a devoted family man and someone who brings so much energy and positivity to our club every day. He's been a huge part of what we've built here and we're looking forward to sharing one more season with him before he begins his next chapter.