The PNG Chiefs have made a major statement ahead of their entry into NRL, securing Samoan international and premiership-winning winger Brian To’o as one of the key players for the club’s inaugural 2028 season.

To’o will become Chiefs Player No. 006, joining the Papua New Guinean club on a three-year deal following the completion of his current contract with the Penrith Panthers.

The signing gives the new franchise an established international star with a proven record at the highest level of rugby league.

To’o has made 151 NRL appearances and scored 99 tries, while also winning four NRL premierships. His representative career includes 17 appearances for New South Wales in State of Origin and 11 Tests for Samoa.

His experience is expected to be particularly valuable as the Chiefs assemble their first squad and prepare for the challenges of entering the NRL competition in 2028.

While his performances on the field were a major factor behind the signing, the Chiefs have also placed significant importance on To’o's cultural connection to the Pacific.

A proud Samoan, the powerful winger has built a reputation not only for his performances but also for his strong connection to family and community.

PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lorna McPherson said bringing To’o into the club was about more than simply recruiting an experienced NRL player.

“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is much more than football,” McPherson said.

She said To’o’s background and values closely reflected the identity the Chiefs want to establish as Papua New Guinea's newest NRL club.

The club hopes its roster will reflect the diversity and culture of Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, while also providing young players in the region with role models at the highest level of the game.

McPherson said To’o's decision to join the Chiefs would send an important message to supporters and aspiring young rugby league players across the country and the Pacific.

The arrival of To’o is another significant piece of the Chiefs' plans as they build their inaugural playing squad.

PNG Chiefs General Manager- Football Michael Chammas, said the club was looking for players who could help establish the standards and culture of the new organisation from the beginning.

“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,” Chammas said.

To’o’s experience of playing in successful NRL teams is expected to be particularly valuable as the Chiefs prepare for their first season.

Chammas also highlighted the winger’s work ethic, competitiveness, and consistency, along with his ability to understand the importance of team culture.

The Chiefs believe those qualities will help shape the environment around the club as it prepares to enter the competition.

For the Chiefs, signing a player with To’o’s resume represents a significant step in preparations for their NRL debut.

The club is still more than a year away from taking the field for its first premiership match, but the recruitment of established players is already beginning to give supporters an idea of the type of team Papua New Guinea intends to take into the competition.

To’o brings premiership experience, representative football, and a strong Pacific connection- qualities that could make him an important figure both on and off the field.

His arrival is also likely to generate considerable interest among rugby league supporters in Papua New Guinea and Samoa, where the sport has a strong cultural following.

The Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028, with To’o set to join the club at the conclusion of his current Panthers contract.

For a franchise preparing to make history, landing a player of To’o’s experience and standing represents an early statement of intent.

Brian To’o is now officially part of the Chiefs family- and the countdown to 2028 has taken another significant step forward.