Panthers Coach Ivan Cleary’s Wild Reaction to Brian To’o’s Las Vegas Dance
Ivan Cleary, the coach of the Penrith Panthers, couldn’t hide his disbelief and concern when his star winger, Brian To’o, showcased an impromptu backflip during a dance routine at the NRL Fan Fest in Las Vegas. The event, reminiscent of a wild and electrifying concert, saw thousands of footy fans cheering and the atmosphere buzzing with the sounds of pumping music and the sight of Cronulla players throwing footballs into the crowd. Warriors coach Andrew Webster enthusiastically declared that ‘the NRL had taken over Las Vegas,’ encapsulating the overwhelming excitement of the moment. Despite the fun and games, Cleary’s initial reaction was one of sheer panic, as To’o had been nursing a strained hamstring, which was serious enough to sideline him for the Panthers’ season opener against Cronulla at Allegiant Stadium this Sunday (AEDT).
Brian To’o’s Competitive Spirit Shines Through
To’o, known for his lively personality and dynamic presence both on and off the field, simply couldn’t resist the challenge to represent the Panthers in a dance-off against the Sharks. When the on-stage presenters asked each team to nominate their best dancer to hype up the crowd, To’o’s competitive spirit took over. ‘I had to represent the brothers so that just pretty much came out,’ he explained, acknowledging the spontaneous nature of his performance. This display of exuberance and confidence, despite his injury, is a testament to To’o’s spirit and his deep connection with the fans. His antics on stage, including a dramatic moment where he bent down and pretended to clutch at his hamstring before body rolling back up and continuing to dance, certainly left an indelible mark on the enthusiastic audience.
To’o’s Dance Moves as a Hamstring Test
While the dance routine was a thrilling spectacle, it also served a practical purpose for To’o. He used the opportunity to test his hamstring, which he had strained during pre-season training. ‘(It was) a bit of a test and it looks pretty good,’ To’o said optimistically. His fearless approach and the positive outcome of the impromptu test have boosted the team’s morale and given hope that he will be back on the field very soon. Cleary, though initially rattled, was relieved to see that To’o had pulled up well after the performance. ‘I’ve got to be honest, I was freaking out a bit,’ the coach admitted, ‘But he seems to have pulled up okay. That’s good news.’ To’o is expected to return for the Panthers’ next NRL game on March 14, facing the Roosters back in Australia.
Adjustments in the Panthers’ Line-Up
The Panthers are beginning the season without several key players, including Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris, and Sunia Turuva. To’o’s injury initially loomed as yet another blow, but the team has made strategic adjustments to mitigate the loss. For the opening game against the Sharks, second-rower Luke Garner will start in the centres, while Paul Alamoti will take To’o’s spot on the wing. However, much of the attention is likely to be focused on Casey McLean, who will step into the opposite wing position to replace Turuva. McLean, a relatively inexperienced player, is poised to become the youngest regular in the Panthers’ starting line-up since their dominance began with a Grand Final appearance in 2020. This transition marks a significant moment for the team as they trust a young player to carry the mantle in such a critical opening match.
Sarah Togatuki’s Star Moment
The NRL Fan Fest in Las Vegas wasn’t just a showcase for the male players; it provided a platform for women’s rugby league as well. Jillaroos star Sarah Togatuki, who plays backrower for the Wests Tigers in the NRLW, seized her moment on stage and left the crowd in awe with her dance moves. The Sin City audience, already heated with excitement, erupted in cheers and applause as Togatuki performed with flair and confidence. Her performance was so impressive that fans couldn’t help but compare her to Rachael Gunn, better known as ‘Raygun,’ who represented Australia in breakdancing at the Olympics. One fan cheekily declared online that Togatuki was ‘better than the Aussie breakdancer at the Olympics,’ while another posted, ‘You go girl.’ These reactions highlight the growing appreciation and support for women’s rugby league and the talent it brings to the stage.
Looking Ahead to the Season
As the Panthers prepare to face the Sharks in their season opener, the team is bolstered by the confidence that To’o will return to form and the inspiration drawn from the younger players stepping up. The challenge of starting without key figures like Luai, Fisher-Harris, and Turuva is significant, but the team’s resilience and adaptability are evident. The spirit and energy displayed by To’o and Togatuki in Las Vegas serve as a reminder of the passion and camaraderie that drive the NRL. With a strong bench and a unified front, the Panthers are set to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining their high standards and continuing their winning streak, even in the face of adversity.
