The PNG Chiefs have secured one of the biggest signatures in the expansion club’s short history, confirming four-time premiership winner Brian To’o on a three-year contract.
To’o will remain with the Penrith Panthers through the 2027 NRL season before joining the Chiefs for their inaugural campaign in 2028.
The move will reunite the champion winger with close friend and former Panthers teammate Jarome Luai, who was announced as the expansion club’s foundational signing earlier this year.
To’o becomes Chiefs Player #006 as the new franchise continues assembling a formidable first-year roster.
The signing was initially detailed by Nine’s Wide World of Sports before being officially announced by the Chiefs and Panthers.
Chiefs land one of Penrith’s greatest wingers
To’o has developed into one of the NRL’s premier wingers since making his first-grade debut for Penrith in 2019.
At the time of the announcement, he had scored 99 tries across 151 NRL appearances and played an integral role in the Panthers’ four consecutive premierships between 2021 and 2024.
He has also made 17 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and played 11 Tests for Samoa.
Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson said To’o had been recruited for considerably more than his performances on the field.
“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football,” McPherson 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.”
McPherson believes To’o can become an important cultural figure for young supporters across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
“He is fiercely proud of his Samoan heritage, incredibly close to his family and understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself,” she said.
“That is exactly the kind of person we want wearing the Chiefs jersey.”
To’o set for Luai reunion
To’o’s decision confirms a reunion with Luai, with the pair having progressed through Penrith’s system before becoming central figures in the club’s premiership dynasty.
Luai was announced as the Chiefs’ first foundational player after agreeing to join the club for its 2028 and 2029 seasons, with an option covering 2030.
The playmaker is also expected to play an influential role in the club’s wider recruitment strategy. The Sporting Base previously reported that Luai would help lead the Chiefs’ recruitment drive.
His close relationship with To’o appears to have delivered an immediate result.
The Chiefs’ confirmed roster now includes To’o, Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax and England international Matty Lees.
The club has also held discussions with former Roosters star Joey Manu as it targets established players capable of making the team competitive immediately.
‘A huge moment for the Chiefs’
Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said To’o would help establish the standards expected within the new organisation.
“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,” Chammas said.
“He brings competitiveness, consistency and an enormous work ethic, but equally important for us is what he brings culturally.”
The Chiefs are building their football department and playing roster from scratch ahead of their entry into the competition.
“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,” Chammas said.
“To secure a player of Brian’s quality, character and cultural strength is a huge moment for the Chiefs.”
Penrith confirms To’o departure
Penrith has confirmed To’o will play one more full season with the Panthers before departing at the end of 2027.
The club said it was disappointed to lose the winger but respected his decision.
“Brian is an exceptional player, but he’s an even better person,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.
“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.”
Panthers general manager of football Shane Elford said discussions between To’o and the club had remained open and respectful.
“Brian has made a decision he believes is best for himself and his family, and we respect that,” Elford said.
“He’s given everything to this club and we know he’ll continue to do that for the remainder of his time in Panthers colours.”
Panthers roster squeeze continues
To’o’s departure represents another significant change to a Penrith roster that has already lost several members of its premiership-winning core.
The club will also need to make major retention decisions involving Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin, who are contracted until the end of 2027.
Those negotiations are likely to place further pressure on Penrith’s salary cap as rival clubs prepare offers for the Panthers’ remaining stars.
For the Chiefs, To’o’s signature demonstrates that their project is already capable of attracting the NRL’s most accomplished players.
The expansion club still has almost 18 months to complete its inaugural roster, but a core featuring Luai and To’o gives it proven leadership, premiership experience and an immediate connection with supporters throughout the Pacific.
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