Confronting moment NRL star Toby Sexton almost lost his dad after CHAINSAW accident: 'made me have a whole new perspective on life'

NRL star Toby Sexton has vowed to 'appreciate everything so much more' after his father Tony cheated death following a workplace accident involving a chainsaw.

Sexton, 22, was 'losing it' when his mother rang him and informed him his old man 'might not make it' after losing two and a half litres of blood.

'She said don't stress, but I booked the first flight I could to the Gold Coast, I was losing it, honestly, there's no other way to say it,' the Bulldogs halfback told Nine News.

'Dad is my hero, everything I do is for him. 'I was in tears, I was in shock. I didn't know what to do, [thinking] whether he was going to make it.'

Thankfully his father Tony survived - and he has his other son to thank.

Matt Sexton, who by chance is studying to be a paramedic, was at the scene when Mr Sexton cut through his arm, vein and artery with a hedger.

He managed to keep his father stable before an ambulance arrived, with Tony Sexton then rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.

Remarkably, he has since made a full recovery and the incident put everything in perspective for his oldest son, who made his NRL debut with the Titans in 2021 before seeking more first grade opportunities at Belmore last season.

'For it to work out the way it did and dad now only being in a brace a couple month on, to be back to working full time again, it's honestly remarkable,' Sexton said. 

The halfback looked promising after moving to Sydney, but knows he will have to perform in 2024 if given first crack in the no.7 jersey as the heat intensifies on coach Cameron Ciraldo.

With the likes of Stephen Crichton, Blake Taaffe, Josh Curran, Jaeman Salmon and Jake Turpin all joining the club, the time for excuses is over.

Another 15th place finish will be unacceptable for Canterbury fans, whose patience is collectively running thin. 

Ciraldo's men open their 2024 NRL campaign against arch-rivals Parramatta at Commbank Stadium on March 9.