Penrith Panthers superstar Brian To’o will leave the club at the end of the 2027 NRL season to join the new Papua New Guinea Chiefs franchise ahead of their historic 2028 debut.
The powerful winger has signed a three-year deal with the PNG Chiefs, becoming one of the club’s biggest recruitment wins as the expansion team builds its squad for its first NRL season.
To’o has been one of the most important players in the Panthers’ recent dominance, helping the club secure four consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2024. Since making his NRL debut in 2019, he has established himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous wingers through his speed, strength and ability to make huge metres from the backfield.
The move will also see To’o reunite with former Panthers teammate Jarome Luai, who is also joining the PNG Chiefs as the expansion club attempts to build a competitive roster before entering the NRL.
PNG Chiefs officials highlighted To’o’s cultural connection, leadership qualities and family values as key reasons behind the signing. The club believes his background and Pacific heritage align strongly with its identity as Papua New Guinea’s first NRL team.
For Penrith, To’o’s departure represents another major challenge as the club manages salary cap pressure and the future contracts of several premiership stars. The Panthers are expected to work hard to retain key figures as they prepare for a new era after years of dominance.
The PNG Chiefs are continuing an ambitious recruitment campaign, with the club already attracting several experienced NRL players as it prepares for its entry into the competition in 2028.
