Toby Sexton will return to the NRL with Perth in 2026 after Mal Meninga convinced him the expansion club was the right destination.
The 25-year-old endured a difficult 2025 at Canterbury, losing his halfback position to recruit Lachlan Galvin despite starting in 12 of the Bulldogs' 16 victories.
He returned for the finals after injuries affected Canterbury's halves, but a move was already unavoidable because Sexton had signed with Catalans Dragons for the 2026 Super League season.
Sexton said a break helped him reset before choosing Perth.
"I've just been given a bit of an opportunity to get away from lots of things and just be a normal person."
"I want to be back in the NRL."
He said Meninga's message about "proving people wrong" stayed with him and strengthened his determination to establish himself as an NRL halfback.
Perth has not yet secured a marquee signing for its first season, unlike the PNG Chiefs, who have attracted Jarome Luai, Brian To'o and Zac Lomax on tax-free contracts before entering in 2028.
Still, Sexton expects the Bears to thrive, citing his close friendship with Josh Curran and the enthusiasm within their signing group.
"Every time there's a new signing, it gets announced in the chat, and everyone gets around each other. It seems like a really good bunch of guys."