The wacky world of rugby league can be pretty unpredictable.
Just ask Toby Sexton, who thought he might’ve played his last NRL game for the Bulldogs only to be recalled for a qualifying final — and score on his first touch.
Sexton was a surprise addition to the Bulldogs’ bench for their blockbuster clash with the Storm at AAMI Park last Friday night.
He knew what he was there for — cover for hooker and the halves — but he didn’t know exactly when or how he’d be injected. That was going to come down to the flow of the game.
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In the 20th minute he got the nod. Captain Stephen Crichton limped from the field with an ankle injury, forcing a reshuffle that saw Matt Burton shift to centre and Sexton slot into the halves.
A nervous Sexton ran onto the field for what was his first NRL appearance since July and 30 seconds later he scored the Bulldogs’ opening try.
He’s back.
While the Dogs didn’t get the win — and Sexton was crushed by that — the 24-year-old was all smiles when reflecting on his return to first-grade three days later.
Critta INJURY sparks Sexton return | 00:40
“I said after the game that everything was pretty raw, I thought four or five weeks ago that I wouldn’t get an opportunity like this again,” he told reporters on Monday.
“It’s crazy the way everything works out and to think I’m going to be playing in a final against Penrith this weekend is pretty cool and something I’m definitely not taking for granted.
“I honestly didn’t know how many minutes I was going to get and I kind of thought after the game it was actually probably pretty lucky it worked out the way it did…
“If I sat on the bench for 60 minutes — I’ve got a bit of ADHD — I would just go mad walking around the sideline and building it up in my head.
“It actually worked out really well and then scoring a try settled me down and eased me into the game.
“I’ve got a lot of good teammates around me who made coming onto the field pretty easy as well.
“It was obviously pretty cool to be back in the side but I haven’t played off the bench much and it was kind of a different role but I was very grateful to be back in the side.
“I was in the side to be a bit of coverage if an outside back went down and with the way things worked out it ended up being a pretty good move from Cam.
“I was pumped to be back.”
For all the commentary around Sexton’s mid-season axing to make way for Lachlan Galvin, there’s been a guy that’s only ever wanted what’s best for the team.
Sexton may have started the season as the Dogs’ first-choice halfback, but as every NRL player knows, it’s a highly competitive workplace and no one owns their jersey.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo believed that Galvin in the No.7 was the way forward and in Round 20 made the decision to drop Sexton to reserve grade.
Sexton could’ve kicked stones, but instead he continued to turn up to Belmore each day with smile on his face, full of energy and most importantly, ready.
After all, you never know when another opportunity might arise.
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“At the end of the day there’s things out of your control,” he said.
“I can’t control how Cameron thinks or anything like that, I’ve just got to control what I can do and that’s just playing footy.
“The club has got their own right in what they believe in and I’ve never been off them for that.
“I’m just concentrating on this year, I don’t know how many games I’ve got left with the Bulldogs but I just want to soak that up and finish on a high.”
Asked where his positivity comes from, Sexton credited his parents, who have had their own battles in life, including when dad Tony almost lost his arm in a workplace accident.
“I think it comes from my mum and dad. We’ve had a bit of adversity growing up and what we’ve experienced of late,” he said.
“No matter what mum and dad always stay positive with everything and have taught me a lot.
“Being negative gets you nowhere so I’ve tried to adapt as much as I can off them and hopefully it’s coming out.
“My old man has had a few injuries, we’ve had some tough periods going through that. My old man was just so positive through everything no matter how bad it got — and same with my mum and brothers. That’s certainly taught me a lot.”
Ciraldo praises Sexton’s impact | 05:25
You could forgive people for thinking there’s bad blood or bitterness between Sexton and Galvin, but in reality that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Sexton had nothing but good things to say about Galvin, which is a credit to not only his character but also the team-first culture the Bulldogs have built.
“He’s a great kid. He works hard and at the end of the day he’s here to win games and that’s all that matters,” Sexton said.
“I’ve actually really liked being a part of his journey so far here and to be able to help him out in any way possible. He’s got a bright future ahead.
“At the end of the day we’ve both got the same goal and that’s to win games of footy. That’s all that matters so he’s come in with a good mindset and willing to work hard.
“The boys all love him here and I’ve really enjoyed my time with him.”
For the two months Sexton was in reserve grade he took the opportunity to work on some things in his game that Ciraldo had spoken to him about. He also spent some time at hooker to get him ready for his new supersub role.
One thing he didn’t do though was search for an early exit — despite signing a two-year deal with French Super League club Catalans Dragons.
“It was a difficult time for me but that never crossed my mind,” Sexton said.
“I’m all for the Bulldogs, I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done. I just had to stay ready and again I didn’t know whether I’d get another opportunity, but I was fortunate enough to get one… I’m ready to go.”
Sexton’s opportunity is expected to extend to this Sunday’s semi-final against the Panthers after overcoming a sternum injury that threatened to cut his comeback short.
“It was just a bit of a knock and was sore at the time but it’s recovered good and I’m good to go this weekend,” he said.
“Whatever role I’ve got to play, I want to play and help contribute to the team in any way possible whether that’s off the bench or starting.”
He hopes to finish his time in the blue and white with a premiership ring before jetting off to Perpignan.
But as for life after his stint in France and whether we’ll see him back in the NRL, that’s still very much up in the air.
“To be honest I haven’t really thought that far,” he said.
“I’ve got however many games left with the Bulldogs, I’ve got my future locked in overseas which I’m really excited about as well.
“What happens after that I’m not really sure, that’s just part of the journey I guess.”
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