Bulldogs’ halves puzzle solved with playmaker’s exit
Jasper Bruce |
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 will solve the halves conundrum triggered by the Bulldogs’ mid-season signing of Wests Tigers 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 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, had always appeared the likeliest 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.
Sexton was considered a chance to be fashioned into a hooker at the Bulldogs should Reed Mahoney depart the club.
Instead, he signed a two-year 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.
He is poised to partner Luke Keary in the halves, with the three-time NRL premiership winner contracted there until next year.
Tevita Pangai Jr, Reimis Smith and Elliott Whitehead are among the other NRL players currently on Catalans’ roster.
AAP
