Sexton ready to lead Titans in new era

A new dawn is set to shine on the Gold Coast Titans in 2022 and for rookie Toby Sexton, he's ready to fill to void left by departing playmakers Jamal Fogarty and Ash Taylor.

Sexton's journey towards cementing a starting halves spot became clearer earlier this month following confirmation Fogarty and Taylor would join utility Tyrone Peachey at rival clubs in 2022.

The Titans unveiled their new club logo on Wednesday to mark a fitting new era that will also include their inaugural NRLW side representing the community next season.

Sexton is one of many local juniors who are eager to be part of the club's roadmap to success in the next decade, joining the likes of David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui who want to deliver the region its first title.

"It hasn't quite sunk in yet to know that I'm part of the future at this club," Sexton told NRL.com.

"It's an exciting time to bring out this new logo. It symbolises the new generation coming through at the Titans.

"It means a lot to me as a player and person given I've grown up on the Gold Coast my whole life and have come through all the junior systems."

The local junior paid tribute to departed halves Fogarty and Taylor ahead of a pre-season where he'll aim to lock in a starting jersey from round one next year.

Sexton held a healthy short-term combination with Warriors-bound Taylor in their four games together last season when Fogarty was sidelined with a broken finger.

He eventually made way for Fogarty, with Sexton describing the co-captain's decision to exit as a "hard predicament" to be in.

"He's been massive for my game and has been one of the main reasons why the club is in the position it is today, back into the finals frame and set up for future success," Sexton said of Fogarty.

"It's been hard for me personally to watch him leave because he has been such a force for my development and a great mentor for me."

Still overwhelmed with his own ability to break into the NRL in 2021, the 20-year-old was adamant his game could go to another level next season.

He'll have healthy competition for halves in the form of Eels recruit Will Smith, AJ Brimson, Paul Turner and rookies Shallin Fuller and Tom Weaver.

"I've had a bit of time to reflect on that, it's been a crazy ride this year," Sexton said.

"It's been remarkable, if you'd said at the start of the year I'd play four games I would take that any day of the week.

"It's definitely going to help me moving forward. The coaches have put a lot of confidence and trust in me to do push on now.

"It's a matter now of building combinations over the pre-season and doing everything I can to be fit and ready to go for round one.

"The speed of the game is a massive thing and as a half you have a lot less time to think compared to Queensland Cup.

"It's a matter for me to keep my job as simple as possible and not try to overplay my hand."

Sexton added Titans coach Justin Holbrook had been supportive of his progression this year.

"He's been massive for me. You see so many young halves now get rushed into playing first grade," he said.

"As much as I always want to start he's always been big on taking it slow and developing first.

"He's such an approachable guy. Being an ex-halfback as well he's extremely knowledgeable.

"I'm looking forward to building our relationship moving forward."