Cowboy embraces the learning curve
TOM Gilbert knows that, at times, he can play a bit like a lunatic.
But it is a style the young Cowboy prides himself on, provided he balances his aggression so it does not become a detriment.
The 19-year-old’s fearless approach to every tackle or hit-up he takes on has earned him many admirers, as well as the 2019 Intrust Super Cup rookie of the year title.
However he has never stopped learning, and it is his quest for perfection that has him hopeful of a maiden North Queensland jersey.
Gilbert has studied the experienced heads in the Cowboys forward pack for inspiration on how to evolve his game.
Whether that be an offload, ball playing abilities or late footwork to improve his quick play the balls, the dynamo is eager to discover what sets him apart that will make him an asset in future and current premiership pursuits.
“I think in the NRL nowadays you look at the top players – Taumalolo, Jordan Mclean – they’ve got that ability,” Gilbert said.
“Jordan is able to find his front all the time and Jase is able to make a line break or take four defenders.
“I want to have my point of difference and I think this season I’ll have the ability to find that out.
“In my mindset at times I need to be careful, there’s a fine line between being a lunatic and playing smart and using it to your advantage.”
Gilbert’s rugby league education has strengthened in the off-season after his experience with the Queensland under-20s Emerging Origin squad last month.
Mixing it with the best young players in the state, as well as several other coaches, provided the young gun with an outsider’s perspective of his game. What he learned was the intricacies of energy.
While Gilbert is happy to lean into his self-imposed lunatic tag when necessary, what he took from coach Ben Woolf was where and when to go at 100 per cent to be at his damaging best when the time is right.
With that in mind, and a desire to expand his capabilities with ball in hand, Gilbert said all that was left to do was secure an NRL debut and win over his rugby union-loving family.
“Mum and Dad have jumped on board and my twin brother, he was a huge Cowboys fan growing up,” he said.
“My older brother is taking some work but he’s starting to dress my little nephew up in Cowboys kit now so it’s starting to work.
“Getting those pretty special.” photos is