Penrith Panthers head coach has confirmed the club put in a counter offer to Brian To'o, but admitted the PNG Chiefs bid was "hard to match." It was confirmed earlier this week that To'o has signed on the dotted line with the PNG Chiefs from the start of 2028 through to 2030, ending his time at the Penrith Panthers. "Of course we wanted him to stay, but I think everyone knows with the Chiefs it's hard to match [what they have to offer]," Cleary told the media. Cleary admitted that, despite the club being a success, players leaving is the price of success. The Panthers have a staggering number of players off-contract at the end of 2027, led by halfback Nathan Cleary.