Former Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton has spoken ahead of his move to the Perth Bears next season, revealing his burning drive to prove to people why he is an NRL calibre number seven, whilst revealing the difficulties and lessons learnt from his exit from Belmore.
Sexton debuted as a 20-year-old at the Gold Coast Titans where he managed just 24 matches across three seasons before he made the switch south to the Bulldogs.
It was at the Bulldogs where he revitalised his career, impressing in reserve grade which led to him earning the starting halfback role in first grade, ultimately ending the clubs eight-year finals drought.
Despite the starring role Sexton played in the 2024 season and in the early parts of 2025, leading the Dogs to first position on the ladder, he was squeezed out of the side after the arrival of Lachlan Galvin from the Tigers.
Sexton spoke on the Big Bears Podcast talking about his desires to return to the NRL, revealing that his drive aligns with Coach Mal Meninga, that they both have a lot of people to prove wrong.
"I knew as soon as that conversation was done (with Meninga), I knew where I wanted to be, that's a person I want to play for (Meninga)." Sexton said.
"I've got a lot to prove to people why I should be an NRL halfback.
"I've got a hunger and I've got a drive to be back in the NRL and to be a good NRL halfback, that's where I want to be."
During his time at French based club, Catalans Dragons, Sexton has been able to work under and be mentored by former premiership winning halfback Mitchell Pearce.
Sexton added that Pearce has been able to restore the confidence he had before his exit from the Bulldogs.
"I'm in a good mental state coming back and I feel confident in my own ability." Sexton said.
"You can tend to forget that he was one of the greatest halfbacks because he still acts like he's still going to be playing.
"I'll definitely stay close with him for a long time to come (Pearce)."
Sexton's revelation at the Bulldogs, taking them back to the tip of the competition ladder, to then being dropped and leaving the club all in the same season still baffles many and he spoke on his feelings towards the situation.
"We were sitting on top of a ladder and then obviously, the disappointment of not being in the side and then finishing the year off in the finals team, I honestly didn't really know what to think." Sexton stated.
"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 everyone, I am good enough as a seven and I want to show that."
Sexton has his eyes set on the halfback role at the Perth Bears ahead of their addition to the NRL competition in 2027.
