'I want to make sure they have a bed to sleep in': To'o buys parents a new home
Penrith star Brian To’o grew up in a small three-bedroom fibro house in Sydney’s western suburb of Mt Druitt with his six siblings and their parents, Fati and Fale.
“The two of us in every room and Mum and Dad ended up sleeping in the common room,” To’o said.
This is an example of the sacrifices of his mother and father who was born in Samoa which prompted To’o to use his NRL income to buy them a house and also influenced his decision to play for the Pacific nation in the season-ending World Cup.
“My parents were definitely the biggest influence in my life,” says To’o. “They have always been there for me and bought me to be the man I am today, so I am very grateful to my parents.
“Giving them a home is just a small way to say thank you for all they have done for me.”
To’o’s mother Fati, in particular, played a key role in his development to become the No.1 winger in the game.
Ahead of this weekend’s Women In League, To’o paid tribute to Fati and his fiancé Moesha Crichton-Ropati, whom he proposed just minutes after helping Penrith win last year’s grand final against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.
Each week, Fati – from whom To’o says he inherited his radiant smile and bright nature – will propel Brian into training and the game as he pursues his dream of playing in the NRL.
“Me and my brothers, we didn’t have much, but Mom and Dad really made sure we had everything we needed,” says To’o.
“Playing footy is something that is obviously very important to me and mom really made it her priority to make sure I got training and games from when I was young.
“Mother was the driver, and she was the only driver in the house, so she made that little sacrifice to make sure I could train on time and make sure I got home safely.”
To’o said Moesha had also helped him achieve the success he had with Penrith and NSW.
Brian To’o proposed to his girlfriend after the game!
“I am very grateful to my beautiful fiancé, she has been my encouragement and motivation since I met her,” she said. “He loves and cares about me, and makes sure I put everything into my work and do everything right.”
Another woman To’o adores is his sister Danielle, who died after a brief battle with cancer in 2008 and whose grave he visits regularly.
Despite some of the difficulties he and his family faced, To’o said they were always happy and appreciated what they had.
“I have three brothers and three sisters. There are three bedrooms and I used to share the same room with my brothers,” he said. “Mum and Dad don’t mind sleeping in the lounge, they’re just so grateful for the roof over our heads.
“Small sacrifices like that really make me want to give back to my mom and dad and make sure they have a bed to sleep in.”
To’o has been working towards his goal of buying a home for his parents since making his State of Origin debut for NSW last year.
The 23-year-old placed his match payments from the 2021 draw onto deposit and kept adding money until finally announcing last week that he had bought a house for Fati and his father, Fale.
“It was a very special moment for myself, and the fact that at such a young age I was able to buy my parents a house was just a moment to step back and see how far I’ve come,” he said.
“To give back to my mom and dad, I’m so proud of what I did to buy my parents a home.”
Faith, family and big heart Brian To’o
Asked about his decision to pledge his allegiance to Samoa over Australia at the World Cup, To’o said it was a tough call but made from the heart.
“Family and culture are everything to me and it’s wonderful what we can do to represent my Samoan heritage,” he said.
“I love my people and I will always play for my people for free any time of the day. I’m so grateful not only to be able to play for my family and friends on and off the pitch, but everyone here at the Panthers club as well as Samoa.”
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