A second Super League star is set to sign with incoming NRL side Perth Bears, following reports that Leeds Rhinos’ Harry Newman will make the move.
It was reported by The Daily Telegraph in Australia that Newman would become one of the first major signings at Perth, who will become the NRL’s 18th club when they join the competition from next season.
Newman’s reported departure looked set to open pandora’s box in terms of Super League talent leaving for the ever-expanding NRL competition, and that may well be the case with a 2026 Super League recruit now reportedly making the move to Perth.
Once again, The Daily Telegraph have reported the news and that is that Catalans Dragons’ star signing Toby Sexton will be heading back to the NRL after just one year in Super League, as he’s set to sign a two-year deal with the Perth Bears ahead of their debut season in 2027.
Super League signing set for immediate NRL return
Before even kicking a ball in Super League, it seems that Sexton’s NRL return is already confirmed and that perhaps should not be a surprise given his talent and age.
Sexton signed back in July, inking a two-year deal with Catalans, midway through his impressive season with Canterbury Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs had signed teen sensation Lachlan Galvin early in the year from Wests Tigers but even so, Sexton continued to impress when afforded the chance, resulting in him making 18 appearances across the year, including in the play-off defeat to Penrith.
Sexton’s ability to lead a team in the NRL is obviously what attracted Catalans to sign the 24-year-old, and it’s also what’s seen Perth make a move for him.
It’s unclear how the Bears would sign Sexton given the fact he’s penned a two-year deal, meaning he isn’t currently in the final year of his contract and therefore not up for rival clubs to negotiate with him. However, Catalans likely expected interest in Sexton and should the report eventuate into a transfer, then the French club may earn some compensation by way of a fee.
Speaking to media down under, Perth recruitment boss Dane Campbell said of Sexton: “Toby is a quality first grader, he certainly is a guy we will be looking at.
“Toby is a good person and good player and harbours an ambition to probably come back to the NRL at some point.”
Catalans Dragons have also signed Lewis Dodd from the NRL to play alongside Sexton in the halves.
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