Toby Sexton's season of hard knocks on the Gold Coast have been tipped by his replacement to equip the halfback for what's to come at Canterbury after his mid-season NRL transfer was confirmed.
Sexton didn't get a chance to farewell his Titans teammates in person, resorting to a Whatsapp message before packing his bags on Tuesday to join the battling Sydney club until at least the end of next season.
The 22-year-old could slot straight into the Bulldogs' spine alongside Matt Burton, having been stuck behind Kieran Foran and leapfrogged by Tanah Boyd at Parkwood this season.
Sexton was handed the keys last season but the Titans flopped in a 6-18 campaign, prompting the recruitment of Kiwi star Foran from Manly.
The now-Bulldogs playmaker has featured just once at NRL level this season, injuring himself scoring the match-sealing try against St George Illawarra in round six.
The Bulldogs meanwhile are 5-11 and were hammered 66-0 by Newcastle on Sunday.
"He learned a hell of a lot from last season and is in a far better position to deal with what's in front of him," Foran said.
"He explained the situation. We're fully supportive of it ... I've got all the time in the world for Toby.
"Tremendous talent, got the world in front of him as a footballer and halfback. It's a great opportunity for him.
"He's been biding his time here behind Tanah and myself ... the Bulldogs have seen the upside."
Canterbury's football boss Phil Gould trumpeted the 'return' of Sexton, who was in the club's pathway system while attending school on the Gold Coast.
"He's a genuine halfback, with an astute kicking game," Gould said.
"He just needs to be playing more football at the NRL level and he will get that opportunity here at the Bulldogs."
Sexton's departure paves the way for Ben Hunt's arrival next season after the Queensland utility announced his desire to leave St George Illawarra.
Foran wouldn't weigh in on that hypothetical but said Boyd, with whom he has forged a close relationship, had not been put off by the speculation.
"He's coping fine," Foran said.
"He doesn't take too much on ... (he's) confident in his own ability and what he needs to do to improve.
"You've seen that in his game; he's gotten better and better as the year goes on."
