PNG Chiefs land Panthers superstar Brian To’o

The PNG Chiefs have pulled another biggest recruitment coup in their young history, securing Samoan international and Penrith Panthers superstar Brian To'o on a multi-year deal ahead of their inaugural 2028 NRL campaign.

In a monumental development for the league's newest expansion franchise, To'o becomes Chiefs Player #006. The 27-year-old high-flyer will make the move to Port Moresby upon the conclusion of his current contract with Penrith, locking him in on a three-year deal.

To'o brings elite, big-match credentials to the Chiefs, boasting 151 NRL appearances, 99 tries, four NRL Premierships, 17 State of Origin caps for New South Wales, and 11 Test matches for Toa Samoa.

Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson emphasized that securing To'o’s signature represents far more than just adding elite talent on the wing.

"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."

The addition of To'o gives the incoming franchise a proven champion and marquee leader as they construct their inaugural roster from scratch.

PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said To'o’s decision sets a high benchmark for the club's culture heading into 2028.

"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.

"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. To secure a player of Brian's quality, character and cultural strength is a huge moment for the Chiefs."

The Chiefs are set to enter the NRL Telstra Premiership in 2028 as the nation's first top-flight professional franchise.