Canterbury has begun discussions with Toby Sexton about a potential contract extension, just days after withdrawing from the race to sign Daly Cherry-Evans.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, negotiations have started between the 24-year-old’s management and Bulldogs officials for a deal beyond this season. Sexton has played all four games this year at halfback, stepping up in Matt Burton’s absence and guiding the team to victories over Parramatta and Cronulla.
Following Phil Gould’s confirmation that the Bulldogs would not pursue Cherry-Evans for 2026, it appears Sexton could be staying put.
“To be honest, and it’s pretty cliched, I didn’t think about it at all,” Sexton told The Herald. “If the club wanted to go after him, they could. I just focused on myself and what I can do for the team. I feel like we’re building a strong connection, and I love playing with this group every week.”
Sexton joined the Bulldogs midway through the 2023 season and cemented himself as the club’s first-choice No.7, forming a solid partnership with Burton.
While young prospects Mitch Woods and Joseph O’Neill are viewed as long-term options, Sexton’s development over the past year has prompted talks for a contract extension. Woods, a highly-rated talent, has yet to feature this season due to a hamstring injury, but Sexton sees a bright future for him.
“He’s a great kid with similar attributes to me when I first came through,” Sexton told Wide World of Sports earlier this year. “There was a lot of hype around me too, but you need to take your time and enjoy the process. Not many players go straight from school into first grade. He’s got a great mindset and will be a top player. The club is lucky to have him.”
