Toby Sexton, an unwanted halfback from Canterbury Bulldogs, is set to join Catalans Dragons in the Super League for the 2026 season. The announcement was made by the Dragons on Friday morning, following Canterbury’s recruitment of promising young talent Lachlan Galvin during the season.
Sexton’s exit comes as he navigates a change in team dynamics after Galvin made an impact in his debut, jokingly suggesting that Sexton should take on a hooker role. At the time, Canterbury was leading the NRL standings, though they have since slipped to second place, trailing behind Canberra.
Despite any potential success this season, Sexton’s future lies across the seas, where he is expected to take over the halfback position from veteran player Luke Keary, who is reportedly leaving Catalans despite having a year remaining on his contract. Keary’s performances have been underwhelming amidst a struggling season for the Dragons, leading to speculation about his future.
In a recent interview, Keary expressed his disappointment with the Super League, describing it as a challenging period in his career. He has been vocal about the need for improvements, suggesting that the NRL should buy the Super League to elevate the standard and viewership of rugby league in Europe. His comments, which included harsh critiques about the quality and coverage of the games, drew ire from the Super League’s management, although his coach, Steve McNamara, supported him.
As Sexton prepares for a new chapter in his career, he steps into the shoes of a player who has achieved significant success in the NRL, adding an intriguing layer to his transition to the UK.