The PNG Chiefs added another star to their inaugural squad confirming the signature of Brian To'o on a three-year deal from 2028.
To'o, 27, will rekindle with four-time premiership teammate Jarome Luai at the incoming club alongside the likes of Zac Lomax and Indigenous stars Connor Watson and Alex Johnston, with the Chiefs still more than 18 months from their first NRL game.
Both the Chiefs and Panthers confirmed the news on Monday.
To'o will remain at Penrith next season.
"Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football," Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson said.
"The PNG Chiefs will be a club proudly built in Papua New Guinea but with a strong Pacific identity.
"Across our region, family, culture, community, and rugby league are deeply connected, and Brian represents those values every time he takes the field. He is fiercely proud of his Samoan heritage, incredibly close to his family and understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself. That is exactly the kind of person we want wearing the Chiefs jersey."
To'o has made more than 150 NRL appearances since his debut with the Panthers in 2019, claiming four successive premierships there between 2021-24.
The winger has run out for the Blues across 17 State of Origin appearances, and represented Samoa for 11 Tests, including the most recent Rugby League World Cup final.
He's not the first local talent to depart the Panthers out of their premiership group.
Luai left for the Tigers last year, and will spend one season with Parramatta before heading to Port Moresby. Stephen Crighton joined the Bulldogs in 2024, and questions continue to be asked about Nathan Cleary's future in Penrith.
Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said the standards set by their first crop of players is the foundations for their club, as they build from the ground up.
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"Brian has performed at the highest level of rugby league for many years and knows exactly what is required to create and sustain a winning environment," Chammas said, calling the coup of To'o a "huge moment" for them.
"He brings competitiveness, consistency, and an enormous work ethic, but equally important for us is what he brings culturally."
A disappointed Panthers have thanked To'o for his contributions so far, and wished him well for beyond next year.
"Brian is an exceptional player, but he's an even better person. He's a great teammate, a devoted family man and someone who brings so much energy and positivity to our club every day," Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said.
"He's been a huge part of what we've built here and we're looking forward to sharing one more season with him before he begins his next chapter."
General manager of football Shane Elford and Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron both supported To'o's right to exercise his options outside their four walls.
"He's given everything to this club and we know he'll continue to do that for the remainder of his time in Panthers colours," Elford said.
Cameron added: "The club has maintained a strong position that this cohort of players has absolutely earned the right to choose what is the next step in their rugby league journey. We are so proud of what Brian has been able to do for our community and fully respect the decision he has made.
"It's an exciting period for the game as the NRL continues to grow, and we believe a strong competition is ultimately good for rugby league."
