NRL fans have come up with a conspiracy theory that Penrith winger Brian To’o has been secretly performing as his club’s mascot.
Footage of ‘Claws’ the mascot at the Panthers’ win over the Warriors last weekend has been going viral on social media, with many supporters stating their belief that To’o is under the mask.
To’o has frequently posted videos of his dance moves over the years, including vision of him getting down to Michael Jackson’s smash hit ‘Beat It’.
The Panthers mascot has now been filmed doing the same dance in a very similar style to that of To’o’s.
As a result, fans have been speculating that the star known as ‘Bizza’ is the man behind the mask, especially as he was being rested from the Warriors match due to playing State of Origin.
‘Probably bizza in that suit,’ one person commented on a post published by content creator Ryan Flaxman, which features video of the mascot’s performance.
Many footy fans believe Penrith star Brian To’o has been moonlighting as the Panthers mascot
‘Claws’ the mascot (pictured) has been filmed pulling off dance moves that are remarkably similar to To’o’s
The conspiracy theory surfaced after the popular mascot showed off Michael Jackson-inspired dance floor moves that To’o is known for pulling off
To’o (pictured) is known for his impressive dancing as well as his play, which has made him arguably the best winger in the game
‘Now we no why bizza didn’t play.. on mascot duties,’ another fan wrote.
‘That’s Brian Too hahaha,’ one more said.
‘Bizzaaaa for sure,’ another claimed.
‘Thats for sure bizza,’ another added.
The claims have since been confirmed to be false, with the identity of the mascot being revealed.
Alexander Irby is a long-time performer who not only fills the ‘Claws’ suit, but also stars as ‘Brutus’, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs mascot.
The performance that set fans off came on a night which saw the Panthers claim an important 20-18 victory over the New Zealand Warriors in a top-of-the-ladder clash.
The Panthers are now four points ahead of the Warriors in first place on the ladder.
