Perth Bears recruit, Toby Sexton, is hoping his 12-months in Super League will help him develop both on and off the field, before he heads back to the NRL in 2027.
Sexton initially joined Catalans on a two-year contract, but already he has seen that deal halved, with him going back to Australia at the end of the upcoming campaign, as he and Leeds star Harry Newman became the club’s two first signings.
In his first interview since the announcement he would link-up with Mal Meninga’s side, Sexton is ready for the next step in his NRL career, but knows there is a job to do with the Perpignan outfit first, before he can think of planning for his future club.
“To be an inaugural player at the Perth Bears and to play under Mal is pretty special,” Sexton said to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“It’s a pretty strange feeling because it’s still 12 months away and I’ve still got a year with Catalans [Dragons in the Super League], which I’m so excited for.
“I’m investing everything into that and then when my season ends the attention will turn to Perth. But it’s something I’m so proud of; I’m so fortunate to sign with Perth and become an inaugural player for them.”
Sexton was first-choice at the Canterbury Bulldogs, and was performing well to start 2025, with the team benefitting from that and finding themselves near the top of the ladder. However, the club opted to bring in Wests Tigers youngster, Lachlan Galvin, in mid-season, which meant that the 24-year-old found himself without a place in the side.
He would make his return to the 17 in September, after not featuring since July, and scored with one of his first touches off the ball, as he came off the bench in the club’s finals defeat to Melbourne Storm.
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Catalans Dragons man ready for NRL second chance as 2027 move confirmed
In a move to the Bears that will see him become the club’s leader on the field, and first-choice once again, the opportunity comes with huge responsibility, but it is one that he is looking forward to taking on.
“We’re going to be building from the ground up, and being a big part of that is something I’m really excited to do,” Sexton said.
“With Mal there, I’m sure there’s plenty of players who want to play under him. His coaching resumé is off the charts. What he did at State of Origin and international level; he’s such a great coach, I know he’s built so many great relationships.
“It can be daunting, but I have a lot of trust in Mal and the team on board there to put a good footy team together.”
“I feel like I’ve learnt a lot over my short career, and the time in the Super League will allow me to develop my leadership skills and my game. I can come back and hopefully take my game to another level.”
On Sexton joining the club, head coach Meninga was full of praise for someone who will undoubtedly be one of the key players in the side.
“I’m a fan of Toby,” Meninga said. “His footy IQ is excellent, he’s a good fella, understands his strengths and weaknesses.
“He had a terrific year last year and the year before in the Bulldogs system, and now he’s gone to Catalans to manage another footy team.
