Toby Sexton’s journey back to first-grade rugby league has been nothing short of dramatic. After being dropped mid-season, the 24-year-old Bulldogs playmaker found himself unexpectedly recalled for a qualifying final — and made an immediate impact, scoring on his first touch of the game.
Sexton had been a surprise addition to the Bulldogs’ bench for their blockbuster clash against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park last Friday night. Though he was aware his role was to provide cover for the hooker and halves, the timing of his appearance was left entirely to the flow of the game.
In the 20th minute, that moment arrived. Captain Stephen Crichton limped from the field with an ankle injury, prompting a reshuffle that saw Matt Burton move to centre and Sexton slot into the halves. Nervous but ready, Sexton ran onto the field for his first NRL appearance since July. Less than half a minute later, he crossed for the Bulldogs’ opening try, a statement that he was back in the big league.
While the Bulldogs ultimately fell short of victory, Sexton reflected on his return with a broad smile three days later. “I said after the game that everything was pretty raw, I thought four or five weeks ago that I wouldn’t get an opportunity like this again,” he told reporters on Monday. “It’s crazy the way everything works out and to think I’m going to be playing in a final against Penrith this weekend is pretty cool and something I’m definitely not taking for granted.”
Sexton admitted that he had no idea how many minutes he would get, but the timing turned out perfectly. “I honestly didn’t know how many minutes I was going to get and I kind of thought after the game it was actually probably pretty lucky it worked out the way it did… If I sat on the bench for 60 minutes — I’ve got a bit of ADHD — I would just go mad walking around the sideline and building it up in my head. It actually worked out really well and then scoring a try settled me down and eased me into the game.”
He credited his teammates for making his transition back onto the field seamless. “I’ve got a lot of good teammates around me who made coming onto the field pretty easy as well. It was obviously pretty cool to be back in the side but I haven’t played off the bench much and it was kind of a different role but I was very grateful to be back in the side. I was in the side to be a bit of coverage if an outside back went down and with the way things worked out it ended up being a pretty good move from Cam. I was pumped to be back.”
Sexton’s recall comes after a turbulent season that saw him demoted in Round 20 to make way for Lachlan Galvin in the No.7 jersey. Despite the disappointment, Sexton displayed remarkable professionalism and dedication. Rather than letting frustration take hold, he continued to train with energy and positivity, fully aware that another opportunity could present itself at any moment. “At the end of the day there’s things out of your control,” he said. “I can’t control how Cameron thinks or anything like that, I’ve just got to control what I can do and that’s just playing footy. The club has got their own right in what they believe in and I’ve never been off them for that. I’m just concentrating on this year, I don’t know how many games I’ve got left with the Bulldogs but I just want to soak that up and finish on a high.”
The roots of Sexton’s positive mindset, he says, come from his parents, who have faced their own challenges. “I think it comes from my mum and dad. We’ve had a bit of adversity growing up and what we’ve experienced of late,” he explained. “No matter what mum and dad always stay positive with everything and have taught me a lot. Being negative gets you nowhere so I’ve tried to adapt as much as I can off them and hopefully it’s coming out. My old man has had a few injuries, we’ve had some tough periods going through that. My old man was just so positive through everything no matter how bad it got — and same with my mum and brothers. That’s certainly taught me a lot.”
Despite the mid-season upheaval, Sexton maintains a supportive relationship with Galvin. “He’s a great kid. He works hard and at the end of the day he’s here to win games and that’s all that matters,” Sexton said. “I’ve actually really liked being a part of his journey so far here and to be able to help him out in any way possible. He’s got a bright future ahead. At the end of the day we’ve both got the same goal and that’s to win games of footy. That’s all that matters so he’s come in with a good mindset and willing to work hard. The boys all love him here and I’ve really enjoyed my time with him.”
During his stint in reserve grade, Sexton used the time to refine his skills and adapt to a new “supersub” role, which included some time playing at hooker. Despite signing a two-year deal with French Super League club Catalans Dragons, leaving early was never a consideration. “It was a difficult time for me but that never crossed my mind,” he said. “I’m all for the Bulldogs, I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done. I just had to stay ready and again I didn’t know whether I’d get another opportunity, but I was fortunate enough to get one… I’m ready to go.”
Sexton’s return is expected to continue in this weekend’s semi-final against the Penrith Panthers, following his recovery from a sternum injury that threatened to derail his comeback. “It was just a bit of a knock and was sore at the time but it’s recovered good and I’m good to go this weekend,” he said. “Whatever role I’ve got to play, I want to play and help contribute to the team in any way possible whether that’s off the bench or starting.”
Looking further ahead, Sexton hopes to finish his Bulldogs tenure on a high note with a premiership before heading to France. Beyond that, the future remains uncertain. “To be honest I haven’t really thought that far,” he admitted. “I’ve got however many games left with the Bulldogs, I’ve got my future locked in overseas which I’m really excited about as well. What happens after that I’m not really sure, that’s just part of the journey I guess.”
Sexton’s story is a testament to resilience, professionalism, and the unpredictable nature of rugby league. From being dropped to scoring on his first touch in a final, his journey underscores the value of staying ready and seizing every opportunity, no matter how unexpected.
