Toby Sexton thought he'd played his last game for Canterbury but now the depleted Bulldogs are relying on the controversially-axed halfback to keep their NRL premiership dream alive.
Sexton looks set to retain his spot in the 17 for the semi-final clash with Penrith on Sunday, when the Dogs will fight to avoid a straight-sets finals exit without inspirational captain Stephen Crichton (ankle) and centre Enari Tuala (leg).
Marcelo Montoya (ankle) and Viliame Kikau (eye socket) are also under injury clouds but Sexton confirmed fears of a sternum injury would not scupper his own availability.
"I'm a halfback, I don't make many tackles," Sexton joked.
"It was just a bit of a knock (to the chest). It was a bit sore at the time but it's recovered good, I'm good to go this weekend."
It's been a rollercoaster season for Sexton, who helped the Bulldogs hold top spot on the ladder for 13 straight weeks and win 12 of the 16 games he started at halfback.
Bound for French side Catalans next year, Sexton feared he may have played his last game for Canterbury when mid-season signing Lachie Galvin replaced him in the halves.
After a period of middling form from the Bulldogs, Sexton made a stunning recall to start on the bench in Friday's week-one final loss to Melbourne and scored a try with his first touch.
"It's been a different kind of period," Sexton said.
"I thought four or five weeks ago I wouldn't get an opportunity like this again. It's crazy the way everything works out.
"To think I'm going to be playing in a final against Penrith this weekend is pretty cool and something I'm definitely not taking for granted."
Sexton is content to remain on the bench behind much-discussed Galvin if that's what coach Cameron Ciraldo requires against the the four-time reigning premiers.
But another option is for Sexton to shift into the starting halves and push Matt Burton into the centres, where he featured in the Panthers' 2021 premiership win, in place of the injured Crichton.
That would require Sexton and Galvin finding immediate chemistry, having started in the halves together only twice this season.
"I want to contribute to the team in any way possible, whether that's off the bench or starting," Sexton said.
"(Galvin) is a great kid, he works hard and at the end of the day he's here to win games. That's all that matters.
"I've actually really liked being a part of his journey so far here and being able to help him out in any way possible. He's got a bright future ahead."
Sexton credited his family for his positive outlook amid a season of highs and lows; father Tony survived life-threatening injuries from a workplace chainsaw accident in 2023
"No matter what, mum and dad always stay positive with everything and it's taught me a lot. Being negative gets you nowhere, I think. I've tried to adapt as much off them as I can," Sexton said.
Winger Montoya has also been leaning on family as he fights to return from the ankle injury he suffered in a hip-drop style tackle from Nicho Hynes in round 27.
Montoya has enlisted the help of his mother Litiana in a bid to recover in time for Sunday.
"I had my mum over last night giving me the old-school Fijian massage," he said.
"She said 'I'm going to come and see you and treat you' and I said, 'OK, but the physios are treating me every day'.
"She goes, 'Yes, but you don't know. They're not doing it like me.'
"I believe in it too. I'm walking better today!"
