NO REGRETS FOR GILBERT OVER SWITCH
MAROONS star Tom Gilbert has ambitions to one day captain the Dolphins and insists he has no regrets about quitting the Cowboys in the midst of a premiership window.
Gilbert was unveiled in Dolphins colours for the first time on Friday as he modelled the expansion club’s jerseys with Titans recruit Jarrod Wallace.
The hard-hitting forward was one of North Queensland’s many success stories in 2022 as the Cowboys made a fairytale run from 15th in 2021 to the preliminary finals.
Gilbert, 22, made his Origin debut for Queensland in the epic Suncorp Stadium decider in what was a breakout season.
He made the decision to leave Townsville to be closer to family in Brisbane, walking out on a Cowboys club that seems destined to contend for the NRL premiership in years to come.
On the other hand, the Dolphins have struggled to attract top-line talent after being handed the NRL’S 17th licence only 12 months before entering the league.
The Dolphins have been written off by bookmakers in the 2023 NRL premiership race, rated $67 title chances compared with the Cowboys at $13.
But Gilbert wouldn’t be anywhere else, declaring he made the right decision to return to southeast Queensland to head up the NRL’S first new club since Gold Coast in 2007.
“I started with the Cowboys at 15 and built my reputation and lifestyle in Townsville so being here is already different,” he said.
“For me, it was a decision that was made for family. At the end of the day, I’m always going to be a family man.
“It was easy to make and something I really wanted to do. I’m really happy to be standing here today in a Dolphins jersey.
“I’ve had no second thoughts about it. I love the Cowboys and what they’re doing at the moment and I support them. But I’m a Dolphin now and proud to be a Dolphin. I’m really excited about what’s ahead.”
The Dolphins’ foundation recruitment drive has been a battle, with numerous big-name players rejecting the cashed-up club’s offers.
Gilbert was one of the Dolphins’ more astute signings, with the club snaring his signature before he became an Origin player.
If there is one area the Dolphins should be strong in it’s their forward pack.
Melbourne trio Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi will bring loads of experience while Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs) and Wallace are seasoned NRL players.
Kiwi skipper Jesse Bromwich is the frontrunner to captain the Dolphins in their foundation season and Gilbert said he held leadership aspirations in the future.
“For me to go that next level I need players like Jesse, Kenny and Felise around me to really support me,” he said.
“When I was talking to Wayne (Bennett, coach) and going to sign the contract, that was what gave me a lot of comfort. To be able to be around these blokes every day, I hope it can bring the best out of me.
“He wasn’t trying to sell the Dolphins to me. He was just honest and told me things he thought he could help my game with.
“I am 22 and young in my career. To go to that next level I need to be coached and get advice and other people to help me.”