Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Toby Sexton doesn’t know who his Perth Bears halves partner will be, the pack he’ll be playing behind or pretty much anything about the team he’s been tasked with leading.
Yet, the chance to be the first major signing at the NRL’s newest club, coupled with the opportunity to play under league legend Mal Meninga made the decision an easy one.
Toby Sexton and the Bulldogs made a great start to 2025, before everything changed. Now he is looking to restart his NRL career at the Perth Bears.Credit: Getty Images
“To be an inaugural player at the Perth Bears and to play under Mal is pretty special,” Sexton said in his first interview since signing a two-year deal.
“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 has a relationship with Meninga from their time together at the Gold Coast Titans, a bond that will get stronger once they reunite in Western Australia. While some free agents have baulked at the prospect of committing to the new franchise, Sexton predicts he will be part of a competitive outfit.
“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 from France.
“With Mal there, I’m sure there’s plenty of players who want to play under him. His coaching resumè 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.”
Sexton says not being in the NRL for a year will make him a better player. The 24-year-old will spend a season in the Super League before returning to Australia in a bid to add to his 65 NRL games. He feels he’s ready for the pressure that comes with wearing the No.7 at the top level.
He’s behind you: Toby Sexton (right) was dropped late in the season following the arrival of Lachlan Galvin (left).Credit: Getty Images
“I think so. I’ve faced a bit of adversity over my short career,” he said.
“I’ve been in first grade, I’ve been dropped and what-not. I’ve faced a lot of adversity, but I feel like I know what it takes to become an NRL halfback.
“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.”
Sexton’s final year at the Bulldogs was a rollercoaster. After starting the year at halfback, he spent time in the NSW Cup following the arrival of Wests Tigers recruit Lachlan Galvin. However, he earned his way back into first grade for the finals.
‘The time in the Super League will allow me to develop my leadership skills and my game.’
Perth Bears signing Toby Sexton
“It’s the ups and downs of being an NRL player,” he said. “We’ve had the highest of highs – we sat on top of the ladder for a large period of the year and we were flying and playing some really good footy.
“Then obviously being dropped has its low points as well, and there was plenty of adversity to fight through. I guess that’s just the way it ends.
“I’ve got so many great mates there that are close to this day. I’m fortunate for my time there.”
Sexton handled himself with class on and off the field in his final season with the Bulldogs and said he had no ill will as a result of his demotion for Galvin.
“It’s just part of the rollercoaster,” he said.
“At the end of the day I’ve got no hard feelings against Lachie or the club at all. He’s a winner and he thought the Bulldogs was his best chance of winning, that’s why he came to the club.
“It was totally out of my control with what happened. He’s obviously going to be a great player for a long time. You can’t sugarcoat it, it was tough; it’s never easy getting dropped and being back in reserve grade.”
Meninga says he has belief in Sexton’s ability to run the show for the Bears.
“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.
“He will come back a much better person and player for the experience. We’re happy to have him.”
