‘There was always a bad name': The community link driving NSW quartet to inspire the next generation

News.com.au

07-07-2025

Powerhouse NSW winger Brian To'o remains under an injury cloud for Wednesday night's State of Origin decider.
But it would have to take something serious to keep him from pulling on the Blues jersey with three of his best mates who may have gone their separate ways in the NRL but retain a strong drive to represent their community every chance they get.
To'o injured his knee playing for Penrith in their win over the Bulldogs last month but is expected to play given he scored a hat-trick in game two while battling a hamstring complaint.
'I'm not the trainer so I don't know,' teammate Stephen Crichton said, with the rest of the injured brigade set to play on Wednesday.
'But I'm pretty sure they're in today.'
The decider will be the last chance for To'o, Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Jarome Luai to share the field as teammates this season until the Pacific Championships where they're all expected to be selected for Samoa if fit.
The quartet all share a special bond having grown up in Mount Druitt before going on to win premierships together with Penrith, while they all played for Samoa in the 2022 World Cup final against Australia.
To'o is the only one left at the Panthers with Crichton at the Bulldogs, Luai at the Tigers and Leniu at the Roosters, which is why they've been inseparable during the Origin camps.
'Since we don't play at each other's clubs right now, this is the opportunity that we do get to share blood and share conversations when we come back into camp,' Crichton said.
'We don't take these camps lightly.
'This is one of the camps that we get to come in and see each other's kids and their partners as well because we don't get to do it during the year.
'We don't take it lightly, and we take these opportunities with both hands.'
Luai and To'o are both St Marys juniors, while Leniu (Minchinbury Jets) and Crichton (St Clair Comets) grew up playing footy for other clubs in the area.
They remain passionate about inspiring the next generation of kids in western Sydney, with Crichton embracing the responsibility.
'We hold our home town to our heart every time we go out there. We aren't here without the community of Mount Druitt that gets behind us,' he said.
'Every time we run out, it's for those people out there, and they know that we represent 'Mounty' hard when we come out and represent on the biggest stage.
'We're not just playing for us and our family; we're also playing for where we came from as young kids as well.
'There was always a bad name for Mt Druitt when we were younger so now to see a lot of the boys playing NRL gives that light to the young kids that they can make it out of Mt Druitt and follow their dreams and make it with whatever job they have.
'Us boys are paving the way for those young kids to not get in trouble and to become footy players like us because it's the best job in the world.'
That bond will be a secret weapon in the decider when Crichton goes up against Maroons rookie Gehamat Shibasaki, while Leniu gets to battle returning legend Josh Papalii in the middle.
Leniu's energy off the bench has been a point of difference for every team he's ever played for, and fellow reserve Hudson Young says his fiery approach on the sidelines has helped him rip in when he's been injected into the contest.
'I love it, I think it's good for the game,' the Raiders star said.
'Any time the fans get involved (is good). For a player to do that and back his ability, I'm all for it.
'As a player running down there, it gives me the confidence to go out there and play with him.'