If NZ Warriors are to capture their first-ever NRL crown, they will have to go through two-time defending champions Penrith Panthers - again - after the minor premiers overwhelmed Melbourne Storm 38-4 at Sydney's Accor Stadium.
Penrith overcame the Warriors in the opening round of playoffs two weeks ago to book their spot directly into the preliminary finals and made no mistake against rivals Melbourne, never trailling, after To'o scored his opening try in the third minute.
Centre Justin Olam brought the Storm level with their only points of the game, but a penalty from star half Nathan Cleary and To'o's second put the Panthers up for good, as they led 18-4 at halftime and outscored Melbourne 20-0 after the break.
The champions were forced to move their home game, due to BlueBet Stadium's inferior capacity, but that had little affect on their dominance. They benefited from having five-eighth Jarome Luai back from injury, as Penrith ran up the biggest winning margin in a preliminary final during the NRL era.
Penrith have made the last four title games, winning three.
"We've been incredibly reliable over that period," said lock Isaah Yeo. "It's been a really good stretch for us, but it means nothing if we don't win next week.
"Great performance there... really happy. It was a real seesaw battle for first 10-15 minutes, but we were really confident we could play the long game and I think that showed.
"At the back end of the first half and again in the second, we came over the top of them."
The Warriors face Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, hoping to reach their third Grand Final against the coach - Panthers maestro Ivan Cleary - who helped them to the previous two as a player (2002) and coach (2011).
Penrith Panthers 38 (To'o 3, Turuva, Cleary & Edwards tries; Cleary 5 conversions & 2 penalties) Melbourne Storm 4 (Olam try)
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