The Perth Bears have finally made a significant move in their recruitment drive, securing a key signing to lead their attack as the club prepares for its inaugural NRL season.
The announcement comes after widespread scrutiny over the Bears’ ability to attract top-tier talent in their early recruitment efforts. Despite considerable interest in securing high-profile halves, the club had previously missed out on marquee players such as Cameron Munster and Jayden Campbell, who reportedly declined a lucrative offer exceeding $6 million to stay with the Gold Coast Titans. These misses sparked questions over the new franchise's recruitment strategy, leading to intense speculation about the type of roster the Bears would ultimately assemble.
However, the club has now landed a major acquisition in the form of former Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton, according to CODE Sports. The 24-year-old playmaker, who had earlier committed to a two-year deal with Super League side Catalans Dragons, has activated his NRL get-out clause to join Perth, signaling a homecoming after a brief stint overseas. While Sexton will still spend the next season competing in the Super League with Catalans, he is set to return to Australia following that season to take up his role with the Bears.
This signing represents a significant coup for the new franchise, as Sexton brings NRL experience and leadership to a club still building its identity. His appointment as the Bears’ No.7 is expected to provide the team with stability and direction, both on and off the field.
“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 said, highlighting the player’s credentials and character.
Campbell also addressed the franchise’s broader recruitment challenges, emphasizing patience and long-term strategy. “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,” he explained. “These things take time and we are comfortable with the progress we are making,” he added, signaling that the Bears’ recruitment strategy remains deliberate and measured despite early setbacks.
Sexton’s role with the Bears is expected to be pivotal, as he takes on the responsibility of guiding the club’s attack while the franchise continues its search for a long-term halves partner. The former Australia Schoolboys representative has amassed 65 NRL appearances for the Titans and Bulldogs since making his debut in 2021. During his tenure with the Bulldogs, he demonstrated the ability to orchestrate a side and influence games at the highest level, qualities that the Bears hope will translate seamlessly to their fledgling squad.
The addition of Sexton follows the Bears’ recruitment of English centre Harry Newman, another move that indicates the franchise’s determination to assemble a competitive roster capable of making an impact from the outset. Although they have missed out on some high-profile targets, these signings signal the Bears’ commitment to attracting quality players who can contribute immediately while also building the club’s culture for the future.
Bears coach Mal Meninga is expected to welcome Sexton’s experience and leadership, which will be critical in helping guide younger players through the challenges of an inaugural season. The opportunity for Sexton to lead a brand-new franchise also provides him with a platform to rebuild and elevate his NRL career. For a player who had faced uncertainty about his future in the competition, the move to Perth represents a lifeline and an opportunity to make a lasting impression.
While the Bears continue their efforts to secure additional talent, Sexton’s signing marks a turning point in their recruitment campaign. His presence provides both stability and a focal point around which the team can structure its attack, a crucial element for a franchise navigating the pressures and expectations of its first season. The No.7 jersey, synonymous with leadership and playmaking in rugby league, will now be worn by a player eager to prove himself and set the standard for his new teammates.
The Perth Bears’ early recruitment phase has been marked by both challenges and victories, but securing Toby Sexton represents one of the club’s most significant achievements to date. His NRL experience, coupled with his leadership qualities and ambition, positions him as a cornerstone of the Bears’ inaugural squad. As the franchise moves forward, fans can expect Sexton to play a central role in shaping the team’s identity on the field, providing a blueprint for success and helping to lay the foundations of a competitive side.
In summary, the Perth Bears have successfully addressed a key area of concern in their early recruitment efforts by securing Toby Sexton as their inaugural halfback. While there were doubts about the club’s ability to attract top-tier talent, this signing underscores their ambition and commitment to building a competitive and sustainable NRL roster. As Sexton prepares to lead the Bears’ attack, the franchise looks set to turn the page on early criticism and begin the journey of establishing itself in Australia’s premier rugby league competition.
