Teen revelation on road to NRL fame
BLACKHAWKS AWARD WINNERS
BLACKHAWKS coach Aaron Payne believes it’s a matter of “when, not if” Tom Gilbert makes the step up to the NRL after the teenage lock was named the club’s player of the year.
Gilbert has been a revelation in his first season in the Queensland Cup.
The 19-year-old has been fearless as he’s gone toe-totoe with the biggest forwards in the Q-cup, running for 140 metres per game while also scoring five tries.
Gilbert admitted earlier this season that he expected to be playing under-20s after coming back from an ankle injury which saw him miss Townsville’s run to last year’s Colts grand final.
The Cowboys-contracted forward was a standout for the NRL side during a preseason trial which earned him a starting spot for the Blackhawks in the Q-cup and he hasn’t looked back.
Payne has worked with Gilbert since he was first signed to the Cowboys on a scholarship and he said the former Brisbane Grammar student had made the most of every opportunity.
“I thought he was fantastic for us from the get-go,” Payne said.
“I’ve coached him since he was 15 through the Cowboys academies and I’m well aware of the type of player he is and what he possesses.
“I think the thing that probably did surprise a few people was just the fact that he was so consistent for such a young kid.
“Just his ability to play big minutes in probably the toughest position on the field physically was testament to him.
“It doesn’t matter who he’s Player of the Year: Thomas Gilbert
Back of the Year: Kyle Laybutt Forward of the Year: Temone Power
Players’ Player: Temone
Power
U20 Player of the Year: Adam Cook
U20 Back of the Year: Michael Bell
U20 Forward of the Year: Wiremu Greig
U20 Players’ Player: Curtis Dempsey
U18 Player of the Year: Hamiso Tabuai-fidow
Cr Russ Cook Community Award: Krys Freeman and Kalifa Faifai-loa playing he wants to get over the top of them and it’s a great quality to have in a young kid.”
Gilbert is all but certain to make his NRL debut with the Cowboys next season after being included in the 21-man squad for the last three rounds and Payne believed he would only improve with age.
“I’ve always said it’s not a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when and I know he was very close to playing grade this year,” he said.
“Most guys in the middle positions don’t really mature until they’re a lot older than what he is.
“He’s very professional in the way he prepares and trains and he’s got all the attributes that you need to play first grade so I think he’s got a big future ahead of him.
“The really good part about it is he genuinely wants to play for us and the Cowfirst boys.” Gilbert took out the club’s top award ahead of hooker Josh Chudleigh and backrower Temone Power, who was named Forward of the Year and also voted Players’ Player.
Power has been a model of consistency since shedding 6kg during the off-season, averaging 78 metres per game and scoring 10 tries which also earned him a call-up for the Queensland Residents.
“I think he made a real commitment to himself in the preseason that he was going to shed some kilos and really stamp himself as a dominant force in the Queensland Cup and I thought he really did that,” Payne said of the Bowen Seagulls junior.
“He’s a fantastic person and the fact that he received Players’ Player just shows how much the boys love playing with him and he certainly makes my job easier as a coach.”