After months of swirling transfer speculation, powerhouse NRL winger Brian To’o has formally put an end to rumors by signing a three-year contract with the PNG Chiefs, set to kick off in 2028. The news was officially confirmed earlier this week, marking one of the biggest high-profile player moves in recent rugby league off-season cycles. The four-time premiership winner kept his signature upbeat and playful demeanor as he walked past assembled media at Penrith Panthers’ headquarters this Tuesday, just hours after the transfer announcement broke.
Fellow Penrith winger Tom Jenkins has lavished unprecedented praise on his departing teammate, calling To’o the greatest winger to ever play the professional game. It is a bold claim, but one that is hard to refute when looking at To’o’s consistent on-field performance: he averages more than 180 running metres per match, and stands just one try away from hitting the career milestone of 100 tries.
“He’s the best ever,” Jenkins told reporters. “He’s insane. I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it – he’s the best to ever do it, and I’m convinced he’ll hold that title for a long time to come. On and off the pitch, he’s such an incredible presence to have in the squad. He’s the kind of person you can always turn to and rely on, no matter what.”
To’o will remain with the Panthers for the 2027 season, fulfilling the final year of his current contract before making the move to PNG. His departure is just one of several key outgoing changes for Penrith this cycle: Liam Henry, Jack Cole and Scott Sorensen will all leave the club at the end of the 2026 season. Looking ahead to 2027, a number of other star Panthers players are out of contract, including club legends Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, with club management currently working aggressively to retain the core of their premiership-winning squad.
Despite the wave of departures, Jenkins emphasized that the Panthers’ renowned tight-knit team culture remains unshaken. “Once you’re part of this squad, you’re always part of the family, and everyone buys into that,” he explained. “Of course it’s hard when boys come forward and tell you they’re moving on. But it’s important to be transparent about future plans. That clarity helps everyone plan ahead, and it also shows that every player is focused on doing their job for the team right now, which is what matters most.
“It was obviously a shock. Naturally, you want everyone to stay together. But we don’t dwell on contract talk around the group. Every player has their own support network, and if anyone needs to talk, we’re all here for each other. At the end of the day, every decision is about what works best for the player and their family. We fully support Bizza and whatever choice he makes for his future.”
That sentiment was echoed by Liam Henry, the fellow Panther who will depart the club at the end of 2026 to join the Bears. Henry said he completely understands why To’o would jump at the opportunity with PNG after giving so many successful years to Penrith. “Of course, you want to keep every great player you love at the club,” Henry said. “But this is an incredible opportunity for Bizza and his family. We’re all so happy for them. One door closes, another opens, and he’s stepping through that new door. He still has this coming season and next to go, and I know he’ll make every minute count for the Panthers.”
The PNG Chiefs have already locked in several high-profile signings for their 2028 squad, and multiple Panthers players have argued that To’o’s signing will go down as the club’s most important recruit to date, given his proven track record of elite performance and leadership.