Brian To’o has broken his silence and shut down speculation he is leaving the Panthers before his contract runs out after reports he could be looking at a move away from Penrith. On Tuesday, reports emerged To’o was potentially keen to play footy elsewhere to chase a bigger payday at a rival club.
The speculation mounted after To’o had spent time with fellow representatives in the Blues camp during State of Origin last month. It was suggested To’o felt he could demand more money than his current $650,000 a year contract, which finishes at the end of the 2027 NRL season. To’o has watched friends Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai sign mega-deal contracts with rival clubs in recent years. And their boosted contracts may have prompted To’o to consider his worth.
To’o is considered by many as the best winger in the game due to the amount of work he gets through in an average NRL game. And with Blaize Talagi linked to the Panthers, after the Eels announced the youngster would be leaving, questions remained over To’o.
However, after 48 hours of speculation, To’o has moved to quell any reports he is leaving Penrith having taken to Instagram to address his fans. Posting a photo of DragonBall Z character Goku – To’o is an anime fan – the Penrith winger reaffirmed supporters he wasn’t leaving the reigning champions.
“Thanks for all the support fams. Nothing to see. Not going anywhere, no shopping here. Let’s get it,” he wrote in Instagram. The moves comes as Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler claimed the winger’s manager was meeting with the Panthers on Wednesday. Weidler reported on Thursday the meeting went well and club officials addressed the winger’s ‘concerns’.
Before To’o shut down the reports, former Roosters player Braith Anasta argued the Panthers premiership winger could be worth more than $1 million a year on his next contract. “If he does move on, I know one club that could do with him and his mate (Jarome Luai) is going there next year, the Tigers,” Anasta said on Fox Sports’ NRL 360.
“And I would think that he’d be over a million-dollar player there or close to. He’s not only a winger, he’s like a front-rower. He’s not a risk or a gamble, that’s why he was the first picked for New South Wales because he is relentless, consistent and plays at an elite level every week. He’s a big reason as to why Penrith have been successful as long as they have.”
“And I would think that he’d be over a million-dollar player there or close to. He’s not only a winger, he’s like a front-rower. He’s not a risk or a gamble, that’s why he was the first picked for New South Wales because he is relentless, consistent and plays at an elite level every week. He’s a big reason as to why Penrith have been successful as long as they have.”
LATEST: Liam Ayoub – manager of Brian To'o to meet with Panthers today to explain how his client is feeling about his future. Penrith have said he won't be released early. They will hear about his concerns today @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) July 30, 2024
Brian To’o taking to social media to re-affirm his commitment to the Penrith Panthers for the remainder of his contract. pic.twitter.com/vkIziY8Jk5
— The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) August 1, 2024
Blaize Talagi linked to the Penrith Panthers
The To’o speculation emerged while the Panthers have been heavily linked with Talagi in recent weeks. And the Eels announce don Tuesday the young back will be leaving the club.
In a monumental blow for incoming coach Jason Ryles, the Eels confirmed on Wednesday that Talagi had informed management he won’t be accepting their offer for next season. The teenager made his NRL debut earlier this season, and has been a shining light for the club mired at the bottom of the ladder.
After initially knocking back an option to stay for next season, Talagi had attracted interest from multiple rival clubs before Wednesday’s decision. “The club made a very strong offer to Blaize, provided a clear path for his football future and consistently made it clear to Blaize and his family that we wanted him to be part of the club long-term,” Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos said in a statement. “While we are disappointed, particularly given the opportunities provided to Blaize during his time at the club, we wish him all the best.”
