Sexton or Galvin? Who should be the starting Bulldogs halfback?

Andrew Voss and Matty Russell have debated the merits of dropping Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton after confirming his playing future for 2026 and beyond.

News would break late on Thursday night that the starting Bulldogs halfback will be departing Belmore to the Super League with the Catalan Dragons at the end of the season on a two-year contract.

With Sexton departing, it appears to all but confirm coach Cameron Ciraldo’s plan of Lachlan Galvin being the starting Bulldogs halfback for the future after signing him mid-season from the Wests Tigers.  

When asked by Voss whether Sexton should be dropped for Galvin, Russell believes that it is likely that the Bulldogs will drop Sexton going forward in favour of the 19-year-old.

“Yes, he is easier to drop. Because he’s heading towards the exit door,” Russell said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“They're not going to be there next season, so you’re not investing in Toby Sexton anymore.

“If he’s in form to help you win a premiership this year, then great. But if it comes to the crunch when the powerbrokers sit down (and go), ‘Who do we go with here (at No. 7)? What do we do with Toby?’

“Well, he’s going. So, they will move him earlier than that. But I expect Toby Sexton’s form to remain rock solid.”  

Voss would somewhat agree with Russell, but made a point of mentioning that he had improved in the position.

“The Toby Sexton we're watching now was better than the Toby Sexton this time last year,” he noted.

“He’s an improving seven. Is he ever going to be a champion? Well, no. He’s not at a Katoa level, but it might have been good enough.”

After some initial struggles when he signed from the Titans in 2023, Sexton has become far more settled within the starting line-up, having played every game for the Bulldogs since Round 12, 2024.

This season, his form has been exceptional for the Bulldogs as they have improved on the 6th place finish last year to find themselves in the top two.

In particular, his kicking game has come on leaps and bounds as he currently averages 331 kicking metres per game compared to last season when he averaged 178.

The Bulldogs will face off in a top-eight showdown on Friday night against the Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium.

Sexton has been named as the starting fullback, with Galvin being named on the bench.

SEN will have live coverage of the match through Broncos Radio from 7pm AEST through the SEN app and SENQ Brisbane.