To'o up for minor premiership challenge

Penrith winger Brian To'o fell short of declaring the Broncos as the team that were the most threatening to their chances of a three-peat but said he "looked forward" to a potential finals showdown. 

The Panthers and Broncos are locked in a battle for the minor premiership with both level on 38 competition points. A bye this weekend gives the Broncos a guaranteed two more with To'o's side set for a final away clash against the Titans.

Penrith have won two minor premierships in the past three years - losing out to the Storm on for and against in 2021 - but among their closest opponents this year have been the Broncos and Knights on the scoreboard.

"Yes, in a way, but we’re still on the same goal to reach the end," To'o said on Tuesday when asked if the minor premiership was a focus.

"[The Broncos] have come a long way in the past 2-3 years. I’m really happy for them to see where they’re at and they’re heading to the top as well.

"We’re looking forward to seeing them down the track and are still building to reach where we want to be."

Part of the Panthers' chances of claiming the J.J. Giltinan Shield could rest on whether Ivan Cleary opts to rest players ahead of the finals like he has done in previous seasons. 

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards and winger Sunia Turuva have played every game in 2023 while Mitch Kenny (21) missed his first match last weekend. 

For To'o, who equalled his best try-scoring efforts with 15 tries in 19 games last week, he's not in the mood to sit on the sidelines as the finals approach.

Part of the reason is due to pulling up well after a gruelling Origin series where he featured in every match, along with the reality two his closest teammates - Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu - were departing at season's end.

"Hell no, I don’t want to rest," To'o said.

"I love putting on the jersey. There’s nothing more that I want than to play for this team and the boys.

"I’ve felt alright. Usually my body is sore after Origin but I feel pretty good. Mentally I’m sweet, if you have the right support, good friends and family.

"I don’t want a rest at all. Every game, just make the most of everything. Even though I’ll see him outside of footy. You live these moments to the fullest and that’s something I want to do especially for Spencer and Critta as well."

Crichton and Leniu's exits will discussed for much of the off-season but just like the recovery efforts this year after Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau departed, the success has kept on coming. 

"It's the whole development and it starts from the juniors and just what the club has done with past players to send them off to their next step in their career," To'o said.

"It’s something special and hopefully we can send the boys off on a high who are leaving this year as we