Toby Sexton believes Perth's new NRL team can thrive despite entering its first season without a marquee signing.
The 25-year-old will join the Bears next year, having been persuaded by coach Mal Meninga to return to the competition.
Sexton's 2025 season at Canterbury changed dramatically when Lachlan Galvin displaced him in the halves, despite the Bulldogs winning 12 of 16 matches with Sexton at halfback.
He returned for the finals after injuries affected Canterbury's squad, but his future there was already settled through a 2026 Super League contract with Catalans Dragons.
"It's been a nice refresh given everything that's happened over the last couple of years," Sexton told the Big Bears Podcast.
"I want to be back in the NRL. I've got a lot to prove to myself. I've got a lot to prove to the coaches in Perth ... I've got a lot to prove to everyone."
Meninga's message convinced him the Bears were the right destination.
"He said something that stuck with me, and it was about proving people wrong," Sexton said.
He also said the brief initial meeting immediately clarified where he wanted to play.
Perth faces comparisons with the PNG Chiefs, who have attracted Jarome Luai, Brian To'o and Zac Lomax on tax-free deals ahead of their 2028 entry.
Sexton remains encouraged, particularly by former Bulldogs teammate Josh Curran and the Bears' growing squad.
"It seems like a really good bunch of guys," he said.