'Been my top priority': Brian To'o denies Penrith unrest as Jarome Luai nears farewell

Brian To'o has again denied he is second-guessing his future at the Panthers, but admits the looming departure of best mate Jarome Luai is taking a toll.

The superstar winger, who has featured in all three of Penrith's consecutive title wins, will be the lone survivor of his tight knit group of friends to remain at the club in 2025.

Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu both left this year, joining the Bulldogs and Roosters respectively, while Luai is set for an off-season switch to the Wests Tigers.

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Speaking to 9News Sydney after his side earned a prelim final spot, To'o claimed his "top priority" will be to ensure Luai goes out with another premiership ring.

"Romey [Luai] is pretty much the last one out of my crew to leave as well," he said.

"That's probably been my top priority thus far - not only just for him, but it's the last ride for [Sunia Turuva] and Fish [James Fisher-Harris].

"That's who I want to do it for."

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 

Luai's exit will leave a gaping hole in the No.6 jumper for the Panthers to fill next year, while James Fisher-Harris is practically irreplaceable in the middle of the field as he prepares to return home to New Zealand and join the Warriors.

Despite so many moving pieces around him, To'o is adamant he won't be pushing for a release from his contract at the foot of the mountains, which runs until the end of 2027. 

"This club means everything to me," he said.

"It's my home and god willing, hopefully I can stay for a little bit more time."

Penrith will take on the winner of Friday's clash between the Sharks and Cowboys next weekend in a bid to make it through to a fifth straight grand final.