NRL

The PNG Chiefs have secured one of the biggest signings of their inaugural roster, with Samoan international Brian To’o confirming he will join the expansion club ahead of their first NRL season in 2028.

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To’o will become Chiefs Player #006 after agreeing to a three-year deal with the new Papua New Guinean franchise once his current contract with the Penrith Panthers expires.

The 27-year-old has already established himself as one of the most decorated wingers in the modern game, having made 151 NRL appearances and scored 99 tries during his career.

To’o has also won four NRL premierships with Penrith, represented New South Wales on 17 occasions and played 11 Tests for Samoa.

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His arrival gives the Chiefs an established representative star with extensive experience of playing in the biggest games, while also adding a player with strong cultural ties to the Pacific region.

Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said To’o’s experience and leadership would be important as the club builds its foundations from scratch.

“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.

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“He brings competitiveness, consistency, and an enormous work ethic, but equally important for us is what he brings culturally,” Chammas continued.

To’o’s signing continues an increasingly impressive recruitment drive from the Chiefs, who are building a competitive roster before entering the NRL in 2028.

The club has already secured a number of quality players for its inaugural squad, including one of To’o’s best friends in Jarome Luai, and a star-studded backline boasting Alex Johnston and Zac Lomax.

It is also another huge loss for the Panthers, who have steadily struggled to retain their top players over the course of their dynasty in the 2020s and will now be without one of their most popular representative-calibre players after the 2027 season.

To’o will remain with Penrith for the remainder of his current contract before making the move to Papua New Guinea and becoming part of the Chiefs’ inaugural NRL campaign in 2028.

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