- Toby Sexton will be based in France next year
- Halfback, 24, was off-contract at the Bulldogs
- Paves the way for Lachlan Galvin’s rise at Belmore
Lachlan Galvin will finally have the chance to become a regular starting half at Canterbury after Toby Sexton signed with French side Catalans Dragons for 2026.
Sexton’s move abroad will solve the halves conundrum triggered by the Bulldogs’ mid-season signing of Wests Tigers young gun Galvin this year.
The Bulldogs are currently playing Galvin off the bench and starting Matt Burton in the halves next to halfback Sexton, who moves to hooker once Galvin comes on.
But that radical plan appeared unsustainable for the future given Galvin’s status as a generational talent whose preference is to play in the halves long-term.
Journeyman Sexton, without a Bulldogs contract for 2026, always appeared the most likely of the three halves options to move on, despite career-best form this year.
Bulldogs powerbrokers had been coy when publicly quizzed about Sexton’s future at the club beyond this year, as had the 24-year-old himself.
Lachlan Galvin will finally have the chance to become a regular starting half at Canterbury after Toby Sexton (pictured) signed with French side Catalans Dragons for 2026
Galvin penned a three-year deal with the Bulldogs in June, immediately terminating his deal with the Wests Tigers
Sexton was considered a chance to be fashioned into a hooker at the Bulldogs should Reed Mahoney depart the club.
Instead, he signed a deal to join Catalans – the only French side currently playing in the Super League competition.
‘I’m super pumped to be joining the Catalans Dragons for the following season and can’t wait for what’s ahead,’ Sexton said.
Sexton has played every game this season for top-two hopefuls the Bulldogs and is the French club’s first new signing for the 2026 season.
Catalans interim head coach Joel Tomkins believes Sexton will be a sensation in the Super League.
‘Toby is an exciting young half with a strong kicking game, excellent game management and composure under pressure,’ he said.
‘He’s already showing that he can perform at the top NRL level, and I believe he’s only going to get better.
‘His attitude, professionalism, and competitive nature will be a great fit for our squad and the culture we want to build within the team.’
Sexton is poised to replace Luke Keary in the halves, with the three-time NRL premiership winner reportedly looking to end his two-year contract in France early.
Tevita Pangai Jr, Reimis Smith and Elliott Whitehead are among the other NRL players currently on Catalans’ roster.
