Big game player is a term often used to describe a person who can deliver on the big stage and is not overawed by the occasion.
One man who screams ‘big game player’ more than most is three-time Panthers Premiership winner, Brian To’o.
To’o, or ‘Mr Prelim’ as the Weekender has coined him this week, knows exactly what it takes to perform when everything is on the line.
The 26-year-old State of Origin champion is the only player in Panthers history to score in four consecutive Preliminary Finals – crossing the line an incredible five times, to help his side to the first Sunday in October.
Speaking with the Weekender ahead of his fifth straight Prelim this Saturday night, To’o said despite obvious pre-game nerves, he rises to the occasion for one very simple reason.
“It pretty much comes down to being a do-or-die game, it’s all or nothing,” he admitted.
“There’s definitely a bit of nerves there. But I always try and treat every game – no matter the occasion – like it’s every other game, but there’s definitely a lot of high emotions throughout Prelim week.”
Emotion in sport can often be a good thing if a player is able to harness that energy and put it to a positive use out on the field.
To’o will be hoping to do just that when his side take on the Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium. The Samoan international said it’s hugely important that this weekend’s game isn’t the last for a number of departing Panthers stars.
“Obviously the boys that are departing have done so much for the club and I think it will be a good to send them off on a high note,” To’o said.
“Hopefully we can dial it in with all that emotion and try and win the next two games.”
Penrith go into Saturday’s clash as heavy favourites over Craig Fitzgibbon’s men, with not many punters – apart from the odd die-hard Sharkies supporter – giving them much of a chance to stop the defending Premiers from contesting their fifth straight decider.
To’o said, despite Penrith’s monster 42-0 victory over the Sharks in Round 12, anything can happen during Finals’ time.
“This whole competition has been a different kind of rollercoaster, and the Sharks have been a top tier team. Last week’s game [against the Cowboys] showed what they can do, and it makes me excited for the game ahead,” he said.
“Any game [in the NRL] is pretty much unpredictable and it could go anyone’s way, but I think it’s about which team is ready to turn up on the day. I can’t wait for it!”
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.