Gold Coast Titans primed to make play for wantaway Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton

The Titans are ready to roll out the welcome mat and bring Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton back to the Gold Coast.

The Titans are ready to roll out the welcome mat and bring Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton back to the Gold Coast.

Titans five-eighth Kieran Foran has given Sexton his seal of approval as the Gold Coast junior faces being squeezed out of Belmore.

Off-contract at season’s end, Sexton could depart Canterbury following revelations Tigers playmaker Lachlan Galvin wants to join the Bulldogs.

There have been suggestions the Bulldogs would be open to an immediate transfer for Sexton if they can bring Galvin to the club quickly.

Sexton, a former Australian Schoolboys playmaker, is a genuine Gold Coast product and debuted for the Titans in 2021.

He was tipped to have a long future at the Gold Coast and the Titans released Jamal Fogarty to Canberra in 2022 to put their faith in Sexton, only to show him the door the next year after just 24 NRL games.

Toby Sexton made his debut for the Titans in 2021. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Sexton, 24, has steadily built his game since joining the Bulldogs midway through 2023 and has played a key role in Canterbury’s climb to the top of the NRL ladder this season.

The Titans are lacking genuine halfbacks, with fullback Jayden Campbell transitioning to the No.7 jersey this year to fill a glaring hole in Gold Coast’s recruitment strategy.

Foran, 34, is expected to retire at the end of the year and said the Titans should look to bring Sexton home.

“He is a great young footy player,” he said.

“He’s been playing exceptional footy for Canterbury this season.

“I’ve made my thoughts on Toby known in the past. He’s a young guy who has a huge future as a halfback and has shown that this year.

“He’s done absolutely everything he can within his power to showcase his abilities. Canterbury are sitting at the top and he’s played a big role in that.

“I don’t know where we’re at in terms of moving forward and what players we’re chasing as of next season.

“There’s no doubt a player of Toby’s calibre coming on the market would be a positive thing for the club.”

The Titans were dealt a blow this week when rising prop Josiah Pahulu quit the club to join premiership heavyweights Melbourne Storm.

Toby Sexton is on the outer at Canterbury. Picture: NRL Photos

Pahulu, 21, became disgruntled last year when he was dropped by coach Des Hasler for the final round of the season, missing out of a $40,000 contract bonus for playing 20 games in his debut NRL campaign.

The Titans attempted to salvage the situation by offering Pahulu an upgraded extension, but the bad blood couldn’t be smoothed and the Queensland Origin prospect opted to join the Storm.

The Titans released a short statement on the Pahulu move and Foran was forced to defend the club’s actions.

“I wouldn’t say we have a retention problem,” he said.

“Rugby league is a revolving door. Contracts are quite difficult to manage and the salary cap.

“The club has to make decisions they feel is in the best interests of the club moving forward.

“The player plays a role in whether they’re happy and want to be here long-term.

“I’m not privy to the inner workings of that contract or any contracts. It’s hard for me to comment.

“Josiah is a great young player and been wonderful for us. He played 20-odd games last year and filled in enormously when Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) was injured.

“I don’t know what went on in that particular circumstance. The club decided to mutually make a decision they felt was best for both sides.”