NRL 2021: Penrith Panthers star Brian To’o using prayer and chicken for finals success

Brian To’o has a reputation at the Panthers for his miraculous healing powers and it has emerged that the power of prayer and a diet described as “the worst in the NRL” is the secret to his most recent speedy recovery.

After requiring surgery for a syndesmosis injury for the second time in consecutive seasons, To’o was scheduled to return in week one of the finals, but the 23-year-old pocket rocket got back two weeks early to give Penrith’s premiership tilt a huge boost ahead of the qualifying final clash with the Rabbitohs on Saturday night.

To’o’s friend and teammate Jarome Luai had his own theory on how the Penrith winger recovers quicker than most.

“He is a bit of a different breed and has come back from injury a few times, pretty bad ones too,” Luai said.“It is probably what he eats. It’s the worst diet in NRL history, but it is working for him. Chicken and cheese … full stop. I can’t give any more away.”

To‘o said his faith was a major factor in his early return, along with a diet that works for him.

“That‘s a bit of (the secret), just chicken and cheese in a meal,” he said cryptically.

“I didn’t think I would be back as soon but I prayed on it and am really grateful that I came through. All glory to God to get me through this process of healing.

“Praying is my secret. I am like Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai. We are high on our faith and as long as we keep that faith we will always come through.”

To’o finished the regular NRL season with an average of 235 running metres per game, the highest on record. In his two games back from injury against the Tigers and Eels he ran for 270m and 219m and scored his first hat-trick against Parramatta.

Coach Ivan Cleary said To’o was “just amazing”.

“He said straight after his surgery that it felt better than last time, and we were always hoping he might be able to beat the six-week mark and get back for this (Eels) game, just on how quickly he can recover” Cleary said.

“He ended up doing it a week early and not just coming back but looking like he had never been out or injured. He is just remarkable.”

To’o is made for the big games. When he gets smashed, he just smiles and runs harder. He puts that down to a childhood love of martial arts and the mindset of a Zen master.

“When I was young I used to watch a lot of Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Bruce Lee movies and that is kind of what got me into getting the physicality to play footy,” he said.

“One time when I was young I was at the fields and I was just demonstrating a few kicks. My older brother’s coaches were asking me if I wanted to come and tackle a few bags, and that is how I started my footy career.

“I just have this happy mentality and am always smiling and having fun. Being out there with the boys helps me to stay calm, be positive and smile through everything.

“It comes naturally. My mum and dad are always happy so that has been passed onto me. I am just out there sharing the love.”

To’o also wants to share a premiership with his teammates after the loss in last year‘s grand final to the Storm cut deep.

“It is still stinging. It is kind of what we built the start of the season on this year,” To’o said.

“We did a review of that game last year and we took a lot out of that and set a new path for this year. It is going pretty good so far.”