The PNG Chiefs have pulled off a sensational recruitment masterstroke, securing the signature of four-time premiership-winning winger Brian To’o for their inaugural NRL season in 2028.

To’o has agreed to a lucrative three-year contract with the expansion franchise, marking a monumental shift in the rugby league landscape. The powerhouse Penrith Panthers flyer will remain with his current club for the 2027 season before making the transition to the new Pacific-backed outfit.

A Landmark Signing for the Pacific

The acquisition of To’o is a massive statement of intent from the incoming franchise, which is rapidly building a roster capable of competing from day one. Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson expressed her excitement about what the Samoan international brings to the club both on and off 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.”

“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,” she added.

The End of a Golden Era at Penrith

To’o has been an indispensable pillar of the Penrith Panthers’ modern dynasty, helping guide the club to four successive premierships between 2021 and 2024. He has compiled an illustrious resume at the foot of the Mountains, scoring 99 tries in 151 appearances since his first-grade debut in 2019, alongside representing New South Wales in 17 State of Origin clashes and Samoa in 11 Tests.

With the Panthers currently sitting atop the NRL ladder in 2026 and hunting for their fifth title in six years, To'o’s departure will eventually mark the end of one of the game's most dominant club tenures.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary paid tribute to the departing winger’s immense contribution to the club’s culture. “Brian is an exceptional player, but he’s an even better person,” 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.”

Chiefs Build Formidable Inaugural Roster

To’o is the sixth player officially unveiled by the Chiefs as they construct their squad for the 2028 season. The move reunites him with former Penrith playmaker Jarome Luai, who signed as the club's marquee player earlier this year.

The Chiefs have already established a formidable backline, with To'o joining South Sydney’s record-breaking try-scorer Alex Johnston and NSW State of Origin star Zac Lomax. The expansion club has also secured the signatures of versatile Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson and robust English forward Matty Lees, signaling they will be a force to be reckoned with from their very first kick-off.