The expansion club’s recruiting spree has been aided by generous tax breaks with the goal to assemble a competitive roster from day one
As Brian To’o ran away to score a try and seal victory for the Panthers in Sunday’s qualification final against the Roosters, rugby league fans in Papua New Guinea had almost as much reason to celebrate as those from Penrith.
The 28-year-old winger showed he was back to his best in a high-pressure clash between teams many predict will contest next month’s grand final. Within two years, however, expansion club PNG Chiefs – boasting To’o and an all-star backline – hope to be in the same position after a recruiting spree that has drawn envy from other clubs.