Wing and a prayer Too sings partners praises for keeping faith in fitness race

Most rugby league players would be a bundle of nerves while battling an injury heading into a premiership decider. Panthers winger Brian To’o is calm. For him, it’s all part of God’s plan.

To’o says his faith has played a major part in his breakout 2021 season, and that it will also play a role in his recovery from a left ankle injury he has carried for much of the second half of the season.

To’o met his partner Moesha Crichton-Ropati in their Western Sydney congregation, with both of their fathers involved in the church.

The Penrith winger believes he would not be preparing to play in his second grand final in as many years without his fiancee and says her presence is vital to his success.

“Church is half the reason why we’re together. Not to brag but my good looks were the other half,” To’o, ever the joker, said with a laugh.

To’o hasn’t been able to see his family in Western Sydney since Origin game three. Due to the Queensland-NSW border closure, both he and his partner went straight from the Gold Coast to Twin Waters where the Panthers have set up camp for the second half of the 2021 season.

Panthers winger Brian To’o.Credit:NRL Photos

It’s been a hard stint according to the star winger, who has put his parents first his whole life. In a display of just how close the family is, the 23-year-old used the $45,000 in Origin payments he received this year to put a deposit on a new home for his parents Fale and Fati.

To’o said his partner has become his rock through what has been a challenging injury period for him.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my family. Just to have my partner here with me, it just makes you feel at home and they’re really happy that she’s here,” he said.

“When things go wrong or feel like it’s not going well we just refer back to our faith and that’s when we reconnect and come together and overcome the negativities.”

To’o played and scored a try against the Storm on Saturday, but is racing to be fit for the grand final.Credit:Getty

That faith has been particularly vital in recent weeks.

Ruled out of the Panthers’ semi-final against the Eels in Mackay due to his left ankle’s ongoing issues, To’o said his recovery has been a rollercoaster.

It was a tough call for the Panthers to rule To’o out of the semi-final with the winger convinced he could play on with the injury.

Coach Ivan Cleary said the medical staff had had to convince the winger he needed to sit the game out. Having the decision taken out of his hands is something that To’o is now thankful for.

Originally, To’o only needed to sport a small bandage for the injury in Mackay. That bandage has now turned to full leg strapping as well as an ankle brace.

The Panthers flyer admits he still might not be okay in time for the grand final, despite playing in the preliminary final against the Storm.

“It’s just been up and down. It’s just been really annoying,” he said. “I’m just trying to ensure that I don’t overthink anything. Whether I play or not, I just want to do what’s best for the team.”

To’o is among a number of Panthers carrying injuries. Tevita Pangai Jnr and has been ruled out, alongside Mitch Kenny who was injured in the Eels game. With fullback Dylan Edwards still on crutches and rushing to be ready for match day, To’o admits the lead up has been far from smooth.

But with his fiancee by his side, To’o is going into this week with the motto of “everything happens for a reason”.

“She [his partner] is always referring me to God’s plan and just to keep the faith and stay positive with everything and she still does even with the big dance ahead and my leg looking like this,” To’o said.

“She just lets me keep the positivity and she just wants me to trust myself, and trust everything will work out.”

As well as faith, To’o also believes his team has one very important attribute on their side for the grand final â€" youth.

“It’s tough not knowing whether you can play or not. Myself and a couple of the boys you know we’re willing to put our bodies on the line,” he said. “But we are young. I am 23 and feel like one of the oldest in the team.”

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