LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Toby Sexton has made a significant career move, agreeing to a two-year deal worth $1 million with Catalans Dragons in the English Super League, set to take effect in 2026.
His transfer comes as a response to the retirement of premiership hero Luke Keary and follows the Bulldogs' recent signing of Lachie Galvin, which squeezed Sexton out of the Canterbury club.
Catalans confirmed Sexton's signing late Thursday, highlighting the shift as a strategic replacement for the outgoing Keary.
Despite an impressive performance in 2025, where Sexton shone as the Bulldogs' starting halfback and led the team to second place on the NRL ladder after 17 rounds, his contract was expiring.
The addition of Galvin from Wests Tigers altered his role, forcing Sexton to transition from halfback to hooker in recent games-a change that did not yield positive results, particularly in a recent loss to Penrith.
With the Bulldogs positioning Galvin as the future No.7, it became clear there was no space for Sexton on the team.
Rather than considering offers from rival Sydney clubs, Sexton chose to make the leap to France.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould addressed this situation on 100% Footy, clarifying that Sexton had not been pushed out.
"Toby's doing a great job," Gould noted.
"We'll get through this season, then we'll see where Toby is, what his options are, and what he wants to do.
We haven't dismissed the fact Toby Sexton will be with us next year.
We haven't dismissed that at all.
What we're going to do is just let him get through this season."
Sexton's decision seems to reflect both career ambitions and the practical realities of team dynamics, as he prepares for this new chapter in his professional journey with the Dragons.