To’o avoids ban, but knee still a hurdle before Origin

Scott Bailey | June 27, 2025

Brian To’o’s place in NSW’s side for the State of Origin decider is set to rest on scans on his knee, after the winger was cleared of a high-tackle charge.

To’o was put on report for a high shot late in Penrith’s 8-6 win over Canterbury on Thursday night, leaving with him a nervous Friday morning.

But the Panthers star was able to breathe a sigh of relief, not even attracting a fine for the high shot on Canterbury centre Bronson Xerri.

To’o had played down the tackle after the match, saying his only concern had been to check on Xerri following the hit.

The chief concern though could be To’o’s left knee.

Penrith opted against having it scanned on Friday as they wait to see how it pulls up, but he is expected to undergo an examination on Saturday.

The 26-year-old confirmed after the match he had suffered a fresh issue when he required strapping to it in the first half, and he left the ground with ice around it.

To’o’s fitness is crucial for NSW after his sheer power helped him score a hat-trick in the Blues Origin II loss in Perth.

“I’m still walking, that’s the main positive sign,” To’o said.

“I think it might’ve happened during the game, either way I’m all good … It’s good.”

To’o did finish the game, similarly to when he hurt his hamstring in round four before being ruled out for five weeks.

“I’m not too sure. He kept playing, but I have seen him do that before,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said when asked about how To’o was.

“I honestly don’t know how he is.”

To’o’s fitness has been a concern for the Blues throughout the series and now appears likely to be so again before the July 9 decider at Accor Stadium.

The 26-year-old barely trained on a sore hamstring in the lead up to Origin II, but responded by scoring a hat-trick and topping the yardage count in the loss.

The four-time premiership-winner has been a fixture of the Blues’ wing since his debut in 2021, having played every game since then.

If that streak was to end, Canterbury winger Jacob Kiraz would loom as the most likely replacement.

Kiraz was in line to be picked for game one this year before a calf injury ruled him out. He then came into camp for game two as cover for To’o’s hamstring.

There is better news for the Blues in the form of halfback Nathan Cleary, after he heard his groin pop on the day before Origin II in Perth.

The Penrith No.7 didn’t kick goals in the Panthers’ win on Thursday night, and remains unsure if he will be able to do so in the decider.

But crucially, he got through Thursday night unscathed. 

“It was good, I didn’t really have any scares at all,” Cleary said.

“This week I got two really solid training sessions in and felt confident. I am very grateful to the NSW physios and Penrith physios.

“Goalkicking is the next box to tick, but I was happy with how it went.”