Popular Penrith and NSW winger Brian To’o says he’s looking forward to becoming a dad when his wife Moesha gives birth to their first child later this year.
The happy couple announced the heartwarming news on Instagram back in May before revealing the baby’s gender – a boy – earlier this month.
Speaking with the Weekender on Wednesday, To’o said he was “pumped” to see his little family grow.
“It’s something I never thought would come so soon – I’m looking forward to the big occasion,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to be, a father, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m really excited it’s going to be a boy as well.”
On top of his football commitments with the Panthers and the Blues, To’o said he’s been doing his best to look after his wife during what’s been a challenging few months of the pregnancy so far.
“My partner has been in a bit of a transition – muscle soreness, morning sickness and stuff like that. So I’ve just been trying to take care of that and a bit of footy as well,” he said.
While the Panthers are flying high at the top of the competition, the same can’t be said for the 24-year-old’s other team NSW, who just lost their second State of Origin series in a row to Queensland.
To’o said after a difficult period with the Blues, he loves nothing more than returning to the comforts of home and spending time with family.
“I always look forward to coming home after a big game, whether I’m sore or whether we win or lose,” he said.
“I always look forward to coming back home to my wife and, with the baby on the way as well, I think it makes it 10 times more special.”
After missing the last two club games during Origin and rest, To’o will return to Penrith’s line-up on Friday when they take on the third-placed Storm in Melbourne.
It’ll be the first time the St Marys junior has ever played in the Victorian capital and he’s looking forward to playing at Marvel Stadium, an AFL ground.
“This will be my first time down there. I didn’t even know we weren’t playing at AAMI Park,” To’o admitted.
“I’m looking forward to playing with the Penrith brothers and hopefully putting on a good performance against the mighty Storm.
“It’ll be fun going down to Melbourne and putting on a good show for everyone.”
Seeing Penrith’s Origin contingent back together will be a welcome sight for Panthers fans. While the club enjoyed a solid win last weekend against Newcastle, they’ll need all hands on deck to weather Craig Bellamy’s men.
“They’ve been a dominate club for a very long time and we’re looking forward to coming up against another big team. Cam Munster is back as well, so it should be a good game this Friday night,” To’o said.
“We all wanted to play against the Knights last weekend but once the coach tells us to rest, we have to rest. In a way, it’s kind of good to give an opportunity to the other boys to showcase their skills to everyone as well.”
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.