SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Brian Too of the Panthers is tackled during the NRL trial match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Penrith Panthers at Redfern Oval on February 23, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Penrith have promoted exciting winger Brian To'o to their 30-man squad, with the 20-year-old signing an upgraded deal with the Panthers until the end of the 2020 season.
To'o is now in the running to make his debut in what would be a shock inclusion into Friday's clash against the New Zealand Warriors, having been on a NRL development contract with Penrith.
“I’m so grateful to be in this position and to have this incredible opportunity to make my NRL debut,” To’o told the club's website.
“From the moment I played SG Ball with the Panthers, I told myself I had to stay hungry and work hard every day to reach this point.
“I can’t wait to feel the atmosphere when I take my first step onto the field tomorrow night.”
To'o, a local junior, progressed through Penrith's development pathways, including a premiership and national championship title for the Panthers SG Ball side in 2016.
To'o represented New South Wales' U20's Origin side in 2018 and has been a key component in Penrith's Jersey Flegg side for two seasons.
The winger's Canterbury Cup campaign did not go unnoticed, winning a selection in the NSW Residents squad last week.
“Brian is an outstanding example of what can be achieved thanks to the hard work of the Panthers development staff,” Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron told penrithpanthers.com.au.
“He is a home-grown talent who has come through the system and earned his way into the NRL squad.
“He brings great energy to our team and we are all excited to see what the future holds for him.”