Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues winger Brian To’o has capped off a fairy tale season after proposing to his partner Sala Moesha Crichton-Ropati shortly after winning a premiership with the Penrith Panthers in the NRL Grand Final tonight.
To’o made a beeline to the sideline to share the moment with Crichton-Ropati after the Panthers held on for a thrilling 14-12 win over South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium before he got down on one knee and popped the question.
“First and foremost, I want to give all the boys a nod, what a year it’s been,” To’o told Channel Nine.
“It’s been a massive for not only myself but my family and my community as well.
“I just want to thank my beautiful partner for saying yes.”
Crichton-Ropati admitted she had been caught by surprise by the proposal.
“I thought he was just coming to give me a hug like he usually does so I wasn’t expecting that,” she said.
To’o said the win had been special after losing last year’s Grand Final to Melbourne Storm and on the back of a season that had seen him make his debut in the series-winning NSW Blues side and later crowned Dally M Winger of the Year.
“I’m just really speechless, not only because of the year I’ve had especially with Origin, but also finishing off the year with a ring,” To’o said.
“It’s a really special moment to have, not only with my partner but for my family back home in lockdown.”
To’o turned in a trademark performance in the Grand Final after running for 238 metres, making five tackle breaks and one line break.
He topped the NRL this season for run metres (4,924), post-contact metres (1,806), and was third for runs (460).
