NRL BREAKING NEWS: Brian To’o Commits to Panthers with Three-Year Extension Worth $850,000 a Season
Date: August 16, 2025
In a major boost for the reigning powerhouse of the NRL, the Penrith Panthers have secured the services of star winger Brian To’o for the next three years after he officially put pen to paper on a lucrative contract extension valued at $850,000 per season.
The decision ends months of speculation around To’o’s future and delivers a huge vote of confidence in the Panthers’ system as the club looks to maintain its dominance in the NRL for years to come.
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To’o’s Message: Loyalty First
Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, To’o said his heart was always with Penrith despite interest from rival clubs both in Sydney and interstate.
“I’ve always said Penrith is home,” To’o declared. “This is the place that gave me my shot, it’s where my family is happy, and it’s where I want to continue playing my footy. I love the boys, I love the fans, and I love what this club stands for. For me, it was never about chasing money, it was about staying true to who I am and giving my best to the Panthers.”
The emotional winger, affectionately known as “Bizza,” has become one of the most beloved figures in the NRL not only for his electric performances on the field but also for his humility, community involvement, and ever-present smile. His decision to remain at Penrith comes at a time when the Panthers have been juggling salary cap pressures after years of sustained success.
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A Financial Commitment from Penrith
The contract, reportedly upgraded from around $650,000 to $850,000 annually, reflects just how important To’o is to the Panthers’ structure. While outside backs traditionally don’t command marquee money, To’o’s influence extends far beyond scoring tries. His trademark powerful carries from the backfield consistently lay the foundation for Penrith’s attacking sets.
General Manager of Rugby League, Matt Cameron, said re-signing To’o was one of the club’s top priorities.
“Brian is more than just a winger,” Cameron explained. “He’s a culture-setter. He embodies everything Penrith is about—hard work, humility, and selflessness. Every time he takes the field, he gives 110%, and every time he interacts with fans, he makes them feel part of the journey. We knew we had to keep him here, and we’re thrilled he’ll remain a Panther until at least the end of 2028.”
The Panthers were aware that To’o had become a target for rival clubs willing to pay big money for his services, with reports suggesting at least two Sydney clubs and a Queensland outfit tested his interest earlier this year. But in the end, the 25-year-old stayed loyal.
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On-Field Impact
Since making his debut for Penrith in 2019, To’o has transformed into one of the premier wingers in the game. Known for his brutal carries, tireless work ethic, and knack for producing big moments, he has been instrumental in Penrith’s run of premiership triumphs.
Premierships: A key figure in Penrith’s back-to-back-to-back titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Origin Star: A mainstay in the New South Wales State of Origin team, where he has consistently outshone some of the biggest names in the sport.
Statistics: Averaging more than 200 running metres per game across multiple seasons, with a strike rate of nearly a try every two games.
To’o has redefined the modern winger’s role. No longer just a finisher, his ability to cart the ball out of his own half and make hard metres early in sets has given the Panthers’ forward pack invaluable momentum.
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Teammates React
Penrith captain Nathan Cleary, who has shared in countless big-game moments with To’o, couldn’t hide his excitement when asked about the extension.
“Bizza is one of a kind,” Cleary said. “You look at the energy he brings every day—at training, in the sheds, on game day—it’s contagious. To know he’s locked in for another three years gives us all a massive lift. He’s not just a teammate; he’s a brother to everyone here.”
Another Panther and close friend, Jarome Luai, echoed Cleary’s sentiments, joking that the extension meant their post-try dances would continue for years to come.
“Honestly, I can’t imagine running out without Bizza next to me,” Luai said. “We’ve grown up together, and we’ve lived our dream together. He deserves everything he gets, and the best part is he hasn’t changed one bit.”
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The Bigger Picture
For Penrith, To’o’s extension is another example of the club’s ability to retain key players despite heavy salary cap scrutiny. Over the past few seasons, the Panthers have lost several stars, including Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, and Stephen Crichton, but have managed to keep the spine of their dynasty intact.
To’o’s deal also provides stability for head coach Ivan Cleary, who values consistency in his squad.
“Brian is the type of player you build a team around,” Cleary said. “He doesn’t just deliver on the field; he drives standards at training and off the field. Having him commit long-term is a massive win for us.”
The Panthers have prided themselves on producing local juniors and keeping them within the system. To’o, born and raised in Western Sydney, epitomises this philosophy. His extension continues a tradition of loyalty that has underpinned Penrith’s rise to dominance.
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Fans Celebrate
The news was met with sheer joy by the Penrith faithful, who flooded social media with celebratory messages.
“Best news ever! To’o is the heart and soul of this team,” one fan posted.
“Pay him whatever he wants—worth every cent,” another wrote.
“No To’o, no party. Panthers dynasty rolls on!” added another.
The 25-year-old has become a cult hero not just for Penrith fans but across the rugby league community. His trademark smile, traditional Samoan post-match dances, and tireless efforts have made him one of the most recognisable figures in the sport.
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What It Means for the Panthers’ Future
The Panthers now have their core group of Cleary, Isaah Yeo, James Fisher-Harris, and Brian To’o locked in for the coming seasons. It gives the club an incredible platform to push for more silverware, even as rivals desperately attempt to close the gap.
While the Panthers will still face tough decisions in the coming years regarding rising young talent, To’o’s retention signals that the club remains committed to keeping its biggest culture drivers.
For To’o, the deal also cements his place as one of the highest-paid wingers in NRL history—proof of just how much he has redefined the position.
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Conclusion
Brian To’o’s three-year contract extension is more than just a deal; it’s a statement. At a time when loyalty is often tested by bigger paydays, To’o has chosen to remain true to his roots, his teammates, and his community.
For Penrith, it’s another huge victory in their quest to sustain success and continue their dynasty. For the fans, it’s reassurance that one of their most beloved stars will keep lighting up BlueBet Stadium with his power runs, try-scoring brilliance, and infectious personality.
In the words of To’o himself: “This is home.”
And for the Panthers, that’s exactly where they want him to stay.
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