Here’s an in-depth, ~1 000‑word feature on Andrew Johns backing Toby Sexton for an NRL expansion side and advocating a stint in Super League to fast-track his career:
🏉 Andrew Johns Weighs In: Toby Sexton Needs a New Pathway
Legend’s Endorsement
NRL Immortal Andrew Johns has publicly thrown his weight behind Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton, urging him to pursue opportunities with a future NRL expansion club—but in the meantime, relocate to England’s Super League to refine his game away from the intense spotlight, ideally paving the way back to elite domestic rugby league. (loverugbyleague.com)
🔍 Context: Sexton’s Rise and the Uncertain Outlook
🔹 A Season of Surge
Since his arrival at Canterbury in 2023 from the Gold Coast Titans, Sexton (24), a dynamic No. 7, has revitalised the Bulldogs’ halves pairing. He helped catalyse a historic run this season—leading Canterbury to six straight victories, their longest unbeaten start since 1938 (loverugbyleague.com). Johns lauded his transformation: “I watched Toby closely when he was at the Titans and I always thought there was a player there… he’s really found his form at the Bulldogs” (nine.com.au).
🔹 Pressure From Within
Yet Sexton’s position is under threat. The Bulldogs secured teenage prodigy Lachlan Galvin mid-season, and Galvin has quickly forced his way into the No. 7 jersey—a challenge Sexton has quietly wrestled with in recent weeks (loverugbyleague.com). Johns and others believe Sexton’s skill set mismatches a bench role, stating emphatically: “He’s a 7 — an out‑and‑out seven” (loverugbyleague.com).
🔹 Contract Limbo
Sexton’s current Bulldogs contract expires at season’s end with little assurance for renewal. With limited interest from other NRL sides for 2026, his long-term future is unclear (nine.com.au).
🎯 Johns’ Advice: Two-Pronged Strategy
1. Eye on an NRL Expansion Team
Johns proposes Sexton position himself as a target for future franchises—particularly Perth (joining 2027) or Papua New Guinea (2028). He noted, “Perth, PNG… that’s two years away in 2027,” (loverugbyleague.com) thus conceiving Sexton as a potential inaugural No. 7 when either squad enters the competition.
2. Short-Term Super League Switch
Johns advocates a stint in Super League, a route path well-trodden with success. He pointed to midfielders Jackson Hastings and Brodie Croft, both of whom rejuvenated their careers in England—winning the coveted Man of Steel award before returning to prominence (nine.com.au, loverugbyleague.com).
Johns emphasised Super League offers high-quality playing time with reduced scrutiny, giving Sexton room to mature away from NRL media pressure: “It’s good footy over there – less pressure, they don’t scrutinise as much as you are in the NRL… That might be an option for Toby” (nine.com.au).
🇬🇧 Already in Motion: Catalans Dragons Deal
Johns’ suggestion isn’t hypothetical—Sexton has agreed to a two-year deal with Catalans Dragons, departing the Bulldogs for Super League in 2026 (foxsports.com.au). This move aligns with Johns’ vision:
- Dragons’ Identity Shift: Catalans are revamping their spine, with key departures (Tomkins, Keary, Mourgue), and intend Sexton to be central to that renewal (reddit.com, alloutrugbyleague.co.uk).
- Big Fish in a Smaller Pond: He’ll enter as a marquee signing, tailoring his game with significant responsibility and less NRL spotlight.
- Professional Endorsement: Catalans coach Joel Tomkins applauded Sexton’s kicking game, composure, and professionalism—qualities that mirror Johns’ vision (superleague.co.uk).
📝 Career Trajectory: Why This Strategy Makes Sense
• Less Pressure, More Playing Time
In Super League, Sexton will play regularly in a pivotal role—immediately beneficial for confidence and growth. Johns noted this “less scrutiny” fosters better development circumstances (loverugbyleague.com).
• Proven Pathway for Maturation
Success stories are plenty: Hastings earned Man of Steel in 2019, reigniting his career in NRL upon return; Croft followed suit. Sexton, Johns argues, is poised for similar revival (loverugbyleague.com).
• Room for Future Reintegration
Securing a regular starting spot now—with Perth or PNG in his sights—Sexton allows himself a pathway back to NRL prominence once refined overseas.
⚠️ Potential Obstacles & Questions
Injury/Adaptation
Super League has a different style—grittier pitches, longer travel across the UK and France, and climatic contrasts. Sexton’s adjustment to these factors will be key.
Timing of Return
Should Sexton target 2027 to join Perth or 2028 for PNG? Or earn his way back sooner into existing rosters? His Super League contract through 2027 may delay NRL reintegration.
NRL Policy & Expansion Timelines
Both expansion clubs aren’t set to debut until at least 2027. NRL’s intentions to expand to 20 teams depend on approvals and logistics (reddit.com). Sexton’s approach hinges on their establishment.
🏏 Additional Perspectives from the Field
Some pundits argue the Super League-to-NRL route can backfire if players stagnate abroad or adjust poorly. Still, Johns emphasises Sexton’s “composure under pressure” fits the narrative of successful overseas progression .
Reddit fans have debated Super League as a developmental space:
“It’s good footy over there—they don’t scrutinise as much” (seriousaboutrl.com)
One fan supported NRL-Super League synergy, suggesting younger NRL players benefit from guest stints in the UK.
🎯 What Sexton Should Prioritise
- Master His Role with Catalans
Establish himself as a top-tier half in Super League through performance, leadership, and consistency. - Maintain NRL Relevance
Keep communication with potential expansion clubs; coach development and NRL ties are vital for a future return. - Physical, Mental and Skill Growth
Exploit regular game time abroad to strengthen kicking, game management, and reading of play. - Promote Versatility
Showcase adaptability in different leagues—an attractive trait for squads building a spine. - Leverage Super League Success
Achieve measurable milestones—Man of Steel contention, leadership metrics—to amplify his market value.
🔚 Final Word
Andrew Johns believes Toby Sexton is at a career crossroads. Remaining as a fringe option in Canterbury risks stagnation. Conversely, a move to Catalans Dragons in Super League positions him as a lead player in a high-paced, yet less pressurised environment. Johns’ blueprint is clear:
- Short-term: Develop in Super League; grow with responsibility.
- Mid-term: Return as seasoned spine for Perth Bears (2027), PNG team (2028), or solidify an NRL path.
- Long-term: Become a cornerstone playmaker, elevated beyond what current NRL pressure allows.
If Sexton follows this path, Johns is convinced he’ll “be signed”—his talent too compelling to ignore (foxsports.com.au, reddit.com, alloutrugbyleague.co.uk, nine.com.au).
Word count: ~1,020 words
Interested in exploring potential Catalans strategies Sexton might learn from, or how expanding teams like Perth are structuring their proposal to attract playmakers like him?
