- Sad truth has come to light in recent podcast
Penrith Panthers winger Brian To’o delivered a quiet but deeply emotional tribute during last week’s win over Melbourne, one that many fans never even noticed.
The 27-year-old had written the name of a devoted supporter, who tragically died in a car accident just days earlier, on his wrist before scoring and dedicating the moment to them.
The revelation has been made by footy great Justin Horo, on The Levels Network Podcast alongside NRL bad boy Willie Mason, with the former backrower reading a message made public by the victim’s brother.
‘My family reached out to Brian who was his favourite player,’ Horo said, reading the personal note.
‘Brian wrote my brother’s name on his wrist and scored in honour of my brother.
‘Beyond football, that is so special to my family. He messages us back after the game, giving us condolences.
Brian To’o (pictured left) has completed a heartwarming gesture in an effort to pay tribute to a Panthers fan who lost their life in a car accident
To’o (pictured) is one of the NRL’s
‘He is a special man who needs to be cherished,’ Horo continued reading.
A post illustrating the heartwarming gesture has since gone viral on social media, with fans of the game expressing their admiration of the Penrith winger.
‘Brian’s gesture transcends the game itself. His compassion and acknowledgment shows the special soul he is,’ one person wrote.
‘You don’t even have to be a Panthers fan or NSW fan everyone loves Brian To’o,’ another Instagram user commented.
‘There is something special about Brian To’o. I like him a lot too. Top man,’ another added.
To’o’s kindness comes just weeks after he finally broken his silence after sparking outrage with his crude comments about teammates’ partners last year.
The Penrith winger was slammed after the club’s awards night when Instagram comments linking teammates to sexualised nicknames about their partners surfaced.
‘It was just more of a hype for them,’ To’o told the Unscripted podcast, hosted by Josh Mansour.
