The PNG Chiefs have strengthened their inaugural 2028 NRL squad with the signing of Samoan international Brian To’o as Chiefs Player #006, adding another established Pacific star to a growing group of players recruited to launch the new franchise.
A proud Samoan and one of the NRL’s premier wingers, To’o brings not only an extraordinary record of success on the field, but the values of family, culture, community and togetherness that will sit at the heart of the PNG Chiefs.
With 151 NRL appearances, 99 tries, four NRL Premierships, 17 State of Origin appearances for the NSW Blues and 11 Tests for Samoa, To’o has established himself as one of the most accomplished players of his generation.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson in a statement today said To’o’s decision to join the Chiefs was significant for both the club and the wider Pacific rugby league community.
“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football,” she 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.
“We want young people across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific to look at this team and see themselves in it.”
“Brian choosing to become part of the Chiefs sends a powerful message about the club we are building and what this team can represent for our region, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him, his wife and children into the Chiefs family.”
PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said securing a player of To’o’s calibre was another important step in building the club’s inaugural squad.
“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,” he 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.
“Brian understands family, sacrifice, humility and togetherness. Those are values shared across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
“To secure a player of Brian’s quality, character and cultural strength is a huge moment for the Chiefs.”
To’o will join the PNG Chiefs ahead of the club’s inaugural 2028 NRL season on a three-year deal at the conclusion of his contract with the Panthers.