“It can be daunting, but I have a lot of trust in Mal and the team on board there to put a good footy team together.”
Sexton says not being in the NRL for a year will make him a better player. The 24-year-old will spend a season in the Super League before returning to Australia in a bid to add to his 65 NRL games. He feels he’s ready for the pressure that comes with wearing the No.7 at the top level.
He’s behind you: Toby Sexton (right) was dropped late in the season following the arrival of Lachlan Galvin (left).Credit: Getty Images
“I think so. I’ve faced a bit of adversity over my short career,” he said.
“I’ve been in first grade, I’ve been dropped and what-not. I’ve faced a lot of adversity, but I feel like I know what it takes to become an NRL halfback.
“I feel like I’ve learnt a lot over my short career, and the time in the Super League will allow me to develop my leadership skills and my game. I can come back and hopefully take my game to another level.”
Sexton’s final year at the Bulldogs was a rollercoaster. After starting the year at halfback, he spent time in the NSW Cup following the arrival of Wests Tigers recruit Lachlan Galvin. However, he earned his way back into first grade for the finals.
‘The time in the Super League will allow me to develop my leadership skills and my game.’
Perth Bears signing Toby Sexton
“It’s the ups and downs of being an NRL player,” he said. “We’ve had the highest of highs – we sat on top of the ladder for a large period of the year and we were flying and playing some really good footy.
“Then obviously being dropped has its low points as well, and there was plenty of adversity to fight through. I guess that’s just the way it ends.
“I’ve got so many great mates there that are close to this day. I’m fortunate for my time there.”
Sexton handled himself with class on and off the field in his final season with the Bulldogs and said he had no ill will as a result of his demotion for Galvin.
“It’s just part of the rollercoaster,” he said.
“At the end of the day I’ve got no hard feelings against Lachie or the club at all. He’s a winner and he thought the Bulldogs was his best chance of winning, that’s why he came to the club.
“It was totally out of my control with what happened. He’s obviously going to be a great player for a long time. You can’t sugarcoat it, it was tough; it’s never easy getting dropped and being back in reserve grade.”
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Meninga says he has belief in Sexton’s ability to run the show for the Bears.
“I’m a fan of Toby,” Meninga said.
“His footy IQ is excellent, he’s a good fella, understands his strengths and weaknesses.
“He had a terrific year last year and the year before in the Bulldogs system, and now he’s gone to Catalans to manage another footy team.
“He will come back a much better person and player for the experience. We’re happy to have him.”