Panthers legend and Director Greg Alexander says winger Brian To’o will not be released “under any circumstances”.
Brandy’s strong stance comes after reports emerged yesterday that To’o was unhappy with his money at Penrith and there had been informal approaches to other clubs about their interest in the Origin representative.
But the story appears to have little substance.
It was the first the subject of two fake Tweets, before Nine’s Danny Weidler suggested there was something afoot with the 25-year-old.
“Select clubs have been informally asked if they have an interest in signing Panthers star winger Brian To’o,” Weidler posted on X, before repeating the claims on Nine News last night.
To’o or his management are not permitted to talk to other clubs until November 2026 given To’o is signed with Penrith until the end of the 2027 season.
The story yesterday – which then became the subject of rumour and innuendo on ‘NRL 360’ last night – came as a surprise to the Panthers.
“The reported unhappiness with the renumeration is certainly news to the club,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 this morning.
“I’m part of the recruitment and retention committee. Brian To’o’s name has not been raised.
“Matt Cameron will obviously speak to Brian and his manager today but he is contracted until the end of 2027.
“There won’t be any release for Brian To’o. Not under any circumstances.”
Alexander warned other clubs that discussions with To’o would be in breach of the rules.
“As a club we would be disappointed if the NRL’s anti-tampering rules were being abused,” he said.
A rumoured destination for To’o if the story had legs – which it doesn’t – is the Wests Tigers.
Yesterday, Wests Tigers Chief Executive Shane Richardson said there had been no talk of To’o joining the club.
“We’ve had no conversations with Brian To’o at all,” Richardson told Nine News.
Richardson also revealed that in a bizarre situation, Tigers-bound five-eighth Jarome Luai rings Benji Marshall after games, declaring he “can’t wait to get there”.
Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron told the Weekender’s Peter Lang yesterday that there was no truth to unrest with To’o.
“There is nothing going on with Brian To’o. He is a vital part of our club and we are not shopping him around,” he said.
“He is here until 2027 and hopefully beyond.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.