Canterbury playmaker Toby Sexton has declared he's ready to step into the No.7 jumper if called upon as the battered Bulldogs begin preparations for Sunday's semi-final against the Panthers.
The departing halfback received a shock call up to the bench for last week's qualifying final against the Storm, with Sexton thrust into the action in the 20th minute after Stephen Crichton went down with a foot injury.
The skipper is set to miss Sunday's blockbuster at Accor Stadium, leaving coach Cameron Ciraldo with a number of options to fill the gap in the centres.
While an outside back such as winger Jacob Kiraz could shift infield, the more likely scenario will see Matt Burton move from five-eighth to centre and Sexton come into the starting side to partner Lachlan Galvin in the halves.
From the field: Toby Sexton
Such a move would mark a stunning return for a player told he had no long-term future at the Bulldogs just a couple of months ago. Sexton, however, always hoped he'd have one more shot at leading the side to a premiership before he departs for Catalans.
"I thought four or five weeks ago I wouldn't get an opportunity like this again," Sexton said. "It's crazy the way everything works out and to think I'm going to be playing in a final against Penrith is something I'm not taking for granted.
"[Leaving early] never crossed my mind. It was a difficult time for me but that never crossed my mind. I'm loyal to the Bulldogs and very grateful for everything they've done for me. I just had to stay ready, I didn't know whether I'd get an opportunity but I'm fortunate enough to get mine this weekend and I'm ready to go."
Match: Bulldogs v Panthers
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Bulldogs
3rd Position
away Team
Panthers
7th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Sexton was one of multiple Bulldogs to finish Friday's qualifying final under a fitness cloud after injuring his sternum.
The playmaker declared he will be first for Sunday's final, with the club also hopeful Viliame Kikau will take his place despite picking up an eye-socket injury. Enari Tuala is set to miss the clash with a fractured tibia, while teenage winger Jethro Rinakama is also racing the clock to overcome an ankle injury.
A Sexton-Galvin partnership would be one of the more unlikely combinations for a sudden-death finals game, given the drama the pair have endured this year.
Canterbury's decision to chase the former Tiger following his acrimonious exit from Concord left Sexton as the odd man out and he was dropped from first grade in Round 20.
Galvin has endured plenty of criticism of his own throughout a turbulent few months in Belmore, with the 20-year-old struggling for consistency amid a tough stretch for the team on the field.
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While it would have been easy for Sexton to hope his replacement would struggle, the experienced halfback instead took the youngster under his wing and helped Galvin find his feet at his new club.
"He's a great kid," Sexton said. "He works hard and at the end of the day he's here to win games and that's all that matters. I've liked being part of his journey so far here and being able to help him out in any way possible. He's got a bright future.
"He's still quite young and he's got a lot to learn but I feel like any way I can help him out, I want to do it and he's been good to play with."
Sexton has held his head high during a period in which many players would kick stones or agitate for an early release.
The 24-year-old has taken the drama in his stride while producing a series of impressive performances in reserve grade and making a start on French lessons ahead of his move to Catalans.
The attitude is reflective of Sexton's journey to the NRL, which was not the smooth run many emerging stars enjoy.
Sexton a steady hand for the Bulldogs
The playmaker was a highly-touted junior when he joined the Titans but struggled for playing time and left the club early to move to Canterbury in 2023.
Tragedy nearly struck later that year when his father was seriously injured in an accident with a hedger. While he survived, Sexton said the incident provided a fresh perspective on life and has helped him navigate a challenging year.
"The mindset comes from my mum and dad and my family," Sexton said. "We've had a bit of adversity growing up and what we've experienced of late but no matter what, my mum and dad always stay positive.
"They taught me a lot and being negative gets you nowhere. I've tried to adapt as much as I can off them and hopefully it's coming out.
"My old man's had a few injuries and we had some tough periods going through that but he was just so positive through everything, no matter how bad it got. It was the same with my mum and brothers, and it's taught me a lot."
