There has been recent criticism of the Perth Bears’ inability to land anyone significant in their recruitment push so far in their early stages.
They have recently fallen short in securing star halves like Cameron Munster, and most recently Jayden Campbell, who declined a reported $6 million-plus Perth offer to remain on the Gold Coast.
After many questions were raised about the lack of signings the new NRL franchise has made, they have finally landed a significant signature.
Recently departed Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton has reportedly secured an NRL return, with the Perth Bears locking him in as their No.7 according to CODE Sports.
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The 24-year-old had initially committed to a two-year deal with Super League side Catalans Dragons, but he has now activated his NRL get-out clause to take up the Bears’ offer.
Sexton will still play next season with Catalans in the Super League before returning home to Australia after just one season overseas.
While the Bears have missed out on high-profile halves, they have had other small victories of late, with Sexton’s signing following the club’s recruitment of English centre Harry Newman.
“Toby is a quality first grader. He is certainly 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,” Perth Bears recruitment boss Dane Campbell stated.
“There's plenty of talent out there and it's just a process. You can't just click your fingers and expect blokes to sign just because you send them a contract,” Campbell explained in addressing the Bears’ recruitment struggles.
“These things take time and we are comfortable with the progress we are making,” Campbell continued.
Sexton is expected to wear the No.7 jersey and guide the Bears’ attack as the club continues its search for a long-term halves partner.
The former Australia Schoolboys representative has played 65 NRL games for the Titans and Bulldogs since his 2021 debut.
He has shown his ability to lead a successful side during his time at the Bulldogs, and his experience will be welcomed by Bears coach Mal Meninga.
While Sexton has proven to be an NRL-quality half, there were genuine fears he may have been frozen out of the competition due to a lack of opportunity.
The Bears' NRL lifeline not only ends that concern but gives the playmaker a chance to lead a franchise in its first season and rebuild his NRL credentials.