To'o defends controversial Instagram comments about Panthers teammates' partners as finals loom

Penrith winger Brian To'o defended a string of lewd comments about teammates' partners posted on the club's Instagram account, saying he has no regrets and does not understand why the remarks drew outrage. Senior Panthers officials asked To'o to explain himself at the club's awards night earlier this month after he included references to Nathan Cleary's partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler, and other teammates' partners in a flurry of social-media posts. He described Cleary as “The Fowler slayer” in reference to Fowler and noted similar remarks about the partners of teammates as part of a broader banter-style exchange that To'o says was meant in good fun.

To'o's posts also targeted Tom Jenkins and his partner Jessica, and Matt Eisenhuth's wife Holly, among others; the remarks were criticized during week one of the NRL finals. Panthers officials urged him to show more caution moving forward, but To'o told the club he would be more mindful in the future while maintaining that the comments were not intended to offend. He noted that Mary Fowler had been dating Cleary since around August 2023, a detail he referenced in the broader banter.

"It was always a bit of fun and banter," To'o said. "I actually don't know what the problem was unless I'm talking about your wives or anything like that. It was a bit of banter, all the boys already knew. I always check up on them and see if they're all right. They were pretty sweet with it." The media backlash did little to sway one of Penrith's most important and potent players. "I was laughing about it. That's pretty much it," he said.

Injury‑hampered year, To'o enters Sunday's preliminary final against Brisbane on the back of his best game of the NRL season. He and fellow winger Paul Alamoti combined for 499 run metres, five tries, seven line breaks and two try assists in the Panthers’ 46‑26 semi-final demolition of Canterbury. With his yardage carries and try-scoring ability, Alamoti has played like a To'o clone since his recall from reserve grade just before finals. Tom Jenkins and his partner Jessica got the same treatment as Cleary and Fowler, as the controversy ignited a wider conversation about players' private lives during a championship chase.

To'o said he hoped to mirror Alamoti’s resilience and impact. "Brandy" (Alamoti) has been a massive part of the team and inspires him to be a better player, To'o said. "If we can have more Paul Alamotis in our team then we'll go a long way. I actually want to be like Paul. If we can have more Paul Alamotis in our team then we'll go a long way." He added that Alamoti's return from a tough year had been a bright spot for Penrith as they push toward the grand final. "Brandy has done a lot of hard work to get himself back in the team so I'm really proud of him."

The clash with Canterbury in the semi-final underscored To'o's form, even as the controversy simmered. Penrith remains one of the NRL’s most successful clubs of the era, built on a premiership dynasty that has relied on a mix of star power and steady roster management. As the Panthers prepare for a crucial finals run, To'o’s comments will likely continue to be a talking point beyond the field, though teammates and officials emphasize the need to focus on performance and the immediate challenge ahead.