Bulldogs Halfback Finds New Club in Super League, Taking Over from NRL Legend Who Criticised the Competition

Unwanted Canterbury halfback Toby Sexton is set to join the Super League next year, signing with Catalans Dragons.

This morning, the Dragons confirmed the acquisition of the 24-year-old playmaker, effective from 2026.

Sexton’s exit from Belmore follows the club’s mid-season signing of promising teenager Lachlan Galvin.

In Galvin’s debut for the Bulldogs, he came off the bench and jokingly instructed Sexton to play hooker, a suggestion that initially caught Sexton off guard.

At that time, Sexton’s Bulldogs were leading the NRL ladder, but they have since dropped to second place behind Canberra.

Regardless of whether the Bulldogs clinch the NRL premiership this season, Sexton’s exit is confirmed to take place the following day.

He will step into the halfback role for Catalans, filling the shoes of NRL legend Luke Keary.

Reports from both England and France indicate that Keary is set to depart the Dragons, despite still having a year remaining on his contract.

The accomplished playmaker, who has won three NRL premierships with two clubs, has struggled in a lacklustre season with the Catalans.

“When I arrived, I had high hopes for my time at Catalans,” Keary shared with League Express in the UK.

“It’s been tough, one of the most challenging periods I’ve faced in my career.”

Keary’s candid interview with Wide World of Sports in April ruffled feathers in the Super League.

He called on the NRL to take charge of the Super League to revitalise rugby league in Europe.

“I’ll say it outright: the Super League is in a dire state; the game here is awful,” Keary declared to WWOS.

“The state of the game, the coverage, the news surrounding it – it’s non-existent. There’s absolutely nothing.

“When you watch the matches, they’re nearly unwatchable. The coverage is so poor now, it’s basically unbearable, and the players are well aware of it. I find it hard to follow, and I’m the one playing in it.

“The games are so poorly presented; it’s beyond dreadful. The television coverage is lacking, and given that we’re in France, the games aren’t broadcast either.”

Keary’s remarks sparked discontent among the Super League management, although he did receive backing from his coach, Steve McNamara.

It’s worth noting that McNamara was dismissed by Catalans in May.