Brian To’o Under Fire for Lewd Comments at Penrith Awards Night Involving Nathan Cleary’s Partner Mary Fowler
Penrith Panthers winger Brian To’o is facing criticism and possible disciplinary action after making highly inappropriate and sexualised remarks about several teammates’ partners—including Matildas star Mary Fowler, the partner of co-captain Nathan Cleary—during the club’s recent awards night.
What Happened
At Penrith’s annual awards night, To’o posted a number of pictures to his Instagram Stories which featured teammates receiving club honours. Rather than simply celebrating their achievements, he used captions that many have deemed disrespectful, crude, and sexual in nature.
Some of the captioned partners listed include:
Mary Fowler (partner of Nathan Cleary): referred to with “Fowler smasher” plus emojis.
Elle (Scott Sorensen’s wife): “Elle Smasher”
Holly (Matt Eisenhuth’s wife): “Holly destroyer”
Jess (Tom Jenkins’ partner): “Jess wrecker”
Keira (partner of Luke Sommerton): “Keira demolisher”
These posts have reportedly since disappeared (Instagram Stories expire after 24 hours) but screenshots and reports have circulated.
Reactions & Responses
Brian To’o has issued an apology, acknowledging the remarks were inappropriate.
The Penrith Panthers have reportedly spoken with To’o about his behaviour. The club has not made a full public statement as of yet.
Public reaction has been largely negative, with many calling the comments “gross,” “disrespectful,” and “embarrassing,” particularly toward the teammates and their partners.
Context & Potential Consequences
To’o is a key player for the Panthers and has been crucial in their recent performances. Any internal disciplinary action might not only affect his public image but also have potential implications for team unity and public relations.
This incident arises just before one of Penrith’s important finals matches, increasing the pressure on both the club and the individual.
Looking Forward
Penrith Panthers and Brian To’o will likely need to address this issue formally, perhaps through internal sanctions or league review, depending on the club’s code of conduct and public expectations. Fans, media, and stakeholders will be watching how the club balances accountability with performance in the lead‐up to high-stakes matches.
