Perth Bears recruit Toby Sexton adds unusual kick-off moment to career 'blooper reel'
Perth Bears recruit Toby Sexton left onlookers stunned on Sunday (AEDT) following his bizarre kick-off attempt early in the Catalan Dragons' 33-18 loss to the Leigh Leopards.
The Dragons were trailing 4-0 after 13 minutes when Sexton lined up to restart play, but his kick landed well short of the distance all on the pitch were expecting.
All watching on were in disbelief of what they had just seen, with a replay of the incident showing that Sexton's boot had clipped the turf seconds prior to him hitting the ball. The playmaker still got his toe to the ball, but there was little force behind the kick.
READ MORE: Mariner undergoes surgery after courageous display
READ MORE: 'Not under 12s': Hosts fire up over 'harsh' whiteboard fallout
READ MORE: Verstappen's ominous warning as 'disappointing' Piastri flounders
Sexton, a former Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker, hit the turf in the process of making the kick. He looked up in disbelief at what had just happened.
"I have never seen that before," one commentator said on the Super League's broadcast.
Toby Sexton lays on the turf after his unusual kick off. Fox League
"Toby, you will have a highlight reel when you finish your career, but there is going to be a blooper reel as well."
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
While it was not a moment that ended up in the club's highlight reel, Catalan was awarded a penalty as a Leopards player picked the ball up before it went 10 metres.
Sexton did manage to shake off the unusual kick-off disaster, pouncing on his own chip and chase minutes later to stamp the first points on the board for the Dragons.
Toby Sexton of Catalans Dragons breaks with the ball. NurPhoto via Getty Images
The 25-year-old converted his own efforts but that small lead did not last long, with the Leopards showing their class on the field to run away and snatch their third straight win.
Tommy Makinson was the only other Dragon to cross the tryline against the Leopards.
Sexton was the first major signing for the NRL's latest expansion franchise, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal in December last year.
The Bears will join the NRL next season where they will be led by coach Mal Meninga.