Speaking to media for the first time since inking his three-year deal, the four-time premiership winner admitted he had never considered leaving his junior club Penrith.
That was until being granted a week to negotiate with the NRL's forthcoming 19th franchise, which enters the competition from 2028 buoyed by federal government riches.
Unlike fellow recruits Jarome Luai, Zac Lomax and Connor Watson, To'o did not travel to Port Moresby to tour the club's resort-style accommodation.
Instead, it was his vision to use rugby league as a force for good in the developing nation that sealed the deal for the superstar winger.
"To be honest, I didn't really see myself in a different jersey other than Panthers," To'o said.
"But I think once the opportunity came about, changing people's lives in PNG, I thought that's definitely an opportunity that I would love to take.
"And not only change their lives, but they can also change mine as well."
Tears were shed when To'o told coach Ivan Cleary he would be leaving the Panthers, and the winger addressed the playing group separately ahead of their round-23 loss to the Warriors.
But conversations with his family were the toughest of all.
"Probably the hardest part was just telling my family," To'o said.
"(But) even telling my family really lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders for their support through the whole process."
To'o holds no regrets over the decision to uproot his life, and hopes his move will open opportunities for Penrith's young talent come 2028.
By the time he leaves Penrith at the end of next year, the 28-year-old will have had a mortgage on his wing spot for almost nine years.
"I'm really happy with my decision," To'o said.
"As much as it really hurts me (to leave), I think it kind of works out for everyone.
"The young boys get their own opportunities for the Panthers and they're obviously going to be in a better place as well."
To'o will also have the chance to reunite with former Penrith teammate and Chiefs inaugural signing Luai, who was the best man at his wedding.
"That makes it more special as well, to be back with the uso. I'm really excited," he said.
For now, another finals tilt is top of To'o's list of priorities, with the Panthers in pole position for a top-two finish following Friday's defeat of Canterbury.
To'o was relieved to have finalised his long-term future before September.
"It just allows me to focus on the present moment with the Panthers, and when that opportunity (at PNG) comes in 2028, then it comes," To'o said.
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