- NSW Blues star Brian To’o has pint-sized protector
- Son Atreus objected to seeing his dad manhandled
Brian To’o’s young son Atreus has captured footy fans’ hearts by defending his father from his Blues teammates as they horsed around with him following their 18-6 victory in the Origin series opener.
It was a margin that flattered Queensland, considering Nathan Cleary (0-3) and Zac Lomax (0-1) missed all four try conversions attempts.
Star winger To’o had a solid game for New South Wales, but suffered his share of knocks in the process.
In a clip posted to social media by teammate Spencer Leniu, To’o could be seen in the sheds following the Blues’ triumph with his ribs and leg both heavily strapped.
Stephen Crichton and Leniu tried to help the Penrith star get his jersey off after the win as To’o winced in pain.
It was too much for To’o’s 18-month-old son Atreus, who gestured for Leniu and Crichton to stop hurting his dad before throwing a bottle at them.
Brian To’o’s tiny son Atreus has captured hearts by defending his father from his Blues teammates on Wednesday night
Stephen Crichton (left) and Spencer Leniu (right) tried to help an injured To’o get his jersey off – and Atreus didn’t like it one bit
The sight of the tiny tot standing up to the NRL giants sent onlookers into fits of laughter.
NSW playmaker Mitch Moses also posted heartwarming photos of himself after the match with his daughter Aspyn, who was wearing a tiny replica Blues jersey as she kissed his forehead while he sat on the field, soaking in the victory.
While Moses, Crichton, Leniu and To’o all played well, Payne Haas turned in an ‘inspirational’ performce, on one leg, to power the Blues within reach of back-to-back State of Origin series wins.
Carrying a quadriceps complaint, the Brisbane prop entered camp in doubt for Wednesday’s series opener against Queensland.
He barely trained but then bashed the Maroons in a first-half clinic that set up their victory.
Haas’s 140 run metres, 18 runs, three tackle breaks, three offloads and 29 tackles led a pack that set the tone in a dominant first half before hanging tough in a scrappy second half.
‘I got a bit nervous on the bus, but all the boys showed faith in me,’ the Broncos prop said of his mental state after managing his leg complaint.
Haas is only 25 but has already played 15 Origins after debuting in 2019.
Brian To’o (pictured with wife Moesha and son Atreus) had a solid game for New South Wales
Mitch Moses also gave fans a heartwarming moment as he celebrated the win with his daughter Aspyn (pictured)
Payne Haas (pictured with daughter Lalita) claimed his first Origin man of the match award
‘I’m just doing my job; I love this jersey so much. I love these boys and love playing for the people of New South Wales,’ he said.
‘I’ve just watched it (Origin) since I was a kid, just love this jersey .
‘But I wouldn’t say I’m at the top (of my game). I’m only 25, long way to go and still working.’
