Brian To’o: On the Cusp of Origin History
Brian To’o’s standing in New South Wales Origin folklore is undeniable. Even a rare off-night in Game I, marked by uncharacteristic errors, couldn’t shake the faith of the Blues faithful. While such a performance might have drawn criticism for other players, the disbelief that met To’o’s early stumbles was a testament to his usual brilliance. Two weeks later, even with a series victory secured, To’o still reflects on that challenging start.
“There were some early errors that really affected the boys in that first half,” To’o admitted. He emphasised the importance of a consistent mindset, prioritising the team and family above all else to navigate difficult periods. “You need to have the same mindset daily, putting the team first and your family first, to get through those hard times. You have to be willing to do anything for your family and these boys are my family as well. I needed to reconnect with myself to be strong in the second half and that’s what I did.”
Despite the shaky beginning, To’o managed to regain his composure, showcasing the form that has established him as one of the premier wingers in the game. He finished Game I with an impressive 185 metres and 10 tackle busts from 21 runs, leading both teams in the latter category. For most wingers, this would be considered a stellar individual performance, even with the earlier mistakes. However, for To’o, a two-time winner of the Brad Fittler Medal as the Blues’ player of the series, such consistency means his exceptional displays are often just the norm. He operates at a level where even an average performance is still remarkably high.
Now in his sixth Origin series, To’o stands among a select group of active New South Wales players who would warrant selection in an all-time Blues XIII. Ahead of Game II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he has a significant opportunity to etch his name further into Origin history by breaking one of the longest-standing try-scoring records.
Chasing a Blues Legend
Currently, Brian To’o has accumulated 11 tries in the sky blue jersey, a tally that places him level with esteemed New South Wales Origin legends Michael O’Connor, Jarryd Hayne, and Josh Addo-Carr. This record, set by O’Connor in 1991, has stood the test of time for over three decades, proving remarkably resilient. While other state appearance records and Queensland’s scoring marks have been surpassed, O’Connor’s try tally has remained an elusive target, despite the brilliance of players like Hayne and Addo-Carr.
Alongside O’Connor’s Blues point-scoring record of 129 (with Nathan Cleary currently on 106 and in contention), the try-scoring mark represents one of the last major individual Origin career records from the 1990s still standing. At just 27 years old and with his proven track record – including the rare feat of scoring in all three matches of a series last year – To’o appears poised to claim this record. He could potentially achieve this milestone as early as Wednesday night.
“It would be crazy, to look back at some of the past players of the game and see my family name up there with them would be pretty cool,” To’o shared, expressing his humility. “Whether I score doesn’t really matter though, it’s always about the team, that has to come first. Being able to put on this jersey means so much to myself and my family. Being able to honour the jersey and the state is important but having my last name within the Blues family, it’s so cool. God willing, we’ll see what happens.”
Beyond the Record Books
Even if To’o surpasses O’Connor, Hayne, and Addo-Carr in Game II, his journey in the Origin arena will far from be over. Twelve tries would elevate him to equal fourth on the all-time Origin try-scoring list, still some way behind Queensland’s record holder, Greg Inglis, who boasts 18 tries.
However, To’o’s dedication to his craft is as remarkable as the pre-game meals that fuel his powerful performances. Scoring tries is merely one facet of his exceptional game. As he consistently carries the ball out of his own territory, often running through defenders who appear significantly larger, it’s a vivid reminder that his resilience and determination are as strong as iron.
While his ability to consistently perform at such a high level can sometimes seem extraordinary, To’o attributes his strength and his proximity to Blues history to his own unwavering belief.
“You have a responsibility to honour this jersey and protect it. I take a lot of pride in that and playing my best for my family and my state,” To’o stated. His faith is a cornerstone of his strength: “I’m a big believer in my lord and saviour Jesus Christ. He gives me the strength. He anoints me to do great things on the field. In those crucial moments that’s the one thing I fall back on, He gives me the strength every day.”
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