As the November 1 NRL contract deadline looms, the Canterbury Bulldogs have opened discussions with their halfback Toby Sexton, seeking to secure his future at the club before rival teams have the opportunity to approach him.
Sexton, who began the 2024 season playing in the NSW Cup, had struggled to break into the team behind Drew Hutchison. However, a breakout season saw him emerge as a key figure in the Bulldogs’ push to the NRL Finals, forming a dynamic partnership with Matt Burton in the halves. His contributions have been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ campaign, particularly since breaking into the starting line-up in Round 12 against the St. George Illawarra Dragons.
Throughout the season, the 23-year-old halfback demonstrated his ability to control games. Sexton forced 15 goal-line drop-outs, scored 14 points, and provided 12 try assists and eight line-break assists, while also averaging 68 running metres per match. His consistency and growing influence on the field have made him a crucial player for the Bulldogs, and one the club is eager to retain.
Sexton, who is a former U19s Junior State of Origin representative, has played 16 matches this year, becoming a regular starter in the second half of the season. His impressive performance has sparked informal contract talks between his management and the Bulldogs as they seek to extend his stay at Belmore beyond the 2025 season. Sexton is one of 16 players at the club whose contracts will expire at the end of 2025, making him a priority for re-signing.
“Toby has really found a home at the Dogs,” said Tas Bartlett of Pacific Sports Management, who represents Sexton. “I’ve had a couple of informal chats with ‘Gus’ [football boss Phil Gould], and he wants to keep Toby around.”
While the Bulldogs are keen to lock down Sexton’s future, the club has also been linked with a potential move for St. George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Hunt. Hunt’s situation has been the subject of much speculation, particularly after he requested a release from the Dragons midway through last year. Although initially considering a contract extension with the Dragons, Hunt’s future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he may seek a move elsewhere before his current deal expires.
Hunt, who is on a $950,000 per season contract, has been linked with several clubs, including the Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, and the Bulldogs. His experience and leadership could be a valuable addition to the Bulldogs’ roster under head coach Cameron Ciraldo. According to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko, there’s a chance Hunt could leave the Dragons before the end of his contract, depending on negotiations during the off-season.
“I think the Titans are a chance, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Dogs have a look at him as well,” Proszenko said on SEN 1170 NRL Crunch Time.
As the Bulldogs look to solidify their squad for the future, the potential re-signing of Sexton and the prospect of Hunt joining the team have created plenty of intrigue. With November 1 just around the corner, the Bulldogs’ roster for 2025 could soon look very different.
