PNG lands another huge blow as Panthers gun joins Luai

The Papua New Guinea Chiefs have landed another massive recruitment blow after signing superstar Panthers winger Brian To’o.

To’o will reunite with his four-time premiership winning former teammate Jarome Luai as part of the Chiefs’ inaugural NRL team. He has inked a three-year deal.

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The Panthers confirmed the news in a statement, with coach Ivan Cleary saying it would be tough to let To’o go.

“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,” Cleary said.

“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.”

To’o has only represented Penrith in his professional career at club level, coming up through the club’s junior pathways before making his NRL debut in 2019.

Penrith general manage of football Shane Elford acknowledged that the decision to move to PNG was one that To’o “believes is best for himself and his family” and the club respects that.

To’o is the sixth player to sign on with the NRL’s latest expansion team, which will also welcome the likes of Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson.

The 27-year-old’s signature helps develop and grow the Pacific identity that the club will be built on, with To’o a proud Samoan international.

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“This signing is about much more than football,” Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson said in a statement.

“Across our region, family, culture, community and rugby league are deeply connected. 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.”

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Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas added: “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.”

To’o will play out the remainder of his contract with the Panthers before heading to the Chiefs in 2028.

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