The Penrith Panthers are reportedly ‘resigned’ to losing representative winger Brian To’o, who appears set to leave the NRL club at the end of 2027. To’o is one of a number of Panthers stars off contract for 2028, along with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Mitch Kenny and Paul Alamoti.
Coach Ivan Cleary has already announced he’ll be stepping down at the end of 2027, while son Nathan, Yeo and Martin have all stated they’re open to testing the free agency market. On Wednesday, Zero Tackle reported that To’o has told his camp that he won’t be re-signing with Penrith past 2027.
The Panthers are said to be “resigned to losing” To’o, with “sources linked to the winger” stating he “won’t be re-signing with the Panthers beyond the end of 2027.” The 27-year-old has won four premierships at the Panthers across a 144-game career, as well as playing 15 State of Origin games for NSW and 11 Tests for Samoa.
To’o is on $625,000 per year at Penrith and has always accepted less money to stay, rather than seek bigger money at a cashed-up rival club. But that appears set to change, and the PNG Chiefs will be on the box-seat to sign him.
To’o’s close friend Jarome Luai has already signed with PNG for 2028, and the lure of tax-free money will be hard to ignore. Luai was To’o’s best man at his wedding and the pair are still close from their days at the Panthers together.
(Brendon Thorne via Getty Images)
Ivan Cleary’s decision won’t affect Nathan
To’o is being touted as the first domino to fall in what could be a major period of change for the Panthers. Speaking last week, Nathan Cleary said his father’s decision to step down won’t sway his own plans for the future.
“It doesn’t change my position,” he said. “I’m still not ready to make that decision yet and that won’t change over the next six-to-eight-week period. It’s pretty hectic as it is.
“It’s obviously been big news, but it hasn’t changed my position. I can guarantee nothing will happen over the next little period.”
Nathan predicted the appointment of Peter Wallace to take over from Ivan will be a huge incentive for players to re-sign.