Plenty of grunt up front for Dolphins

WAYNE Bennett has hit back at his critics, declaring the Dolphins will muscle up to the best packs in the NRL after the expansion franchise poached Tom Gilbert from Queensland rivals the Cowboys.

A week after missing out on Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga, the Dolphins have bolstered their long-term future with the acquisition of the offcontract Gilbert.

At 21, Gilbert has a bright career in the NRL and has cemented a spot in North Queensland’s best 17 this season, playing all seven games.

Brisbane-born Gilbert is a Norths Devils junior and will return to his home region near the Redcliffe-based Dolphins in 2023.

The Dolphins are putting together a solid forward pack, having already signed Melbourne trio Felise Kaufusi and Jesse and Kenny Bromwich to go with South Sydney grand final prop Mark Nicholls.

The NRL’s 17th team has also secured Parramatta ironman Ray Stone, with Gilbert’s signing giving Bennett a sixpack of forwards the super coach believes will ensure the Dolphins are competitive from ground zero next season.

“People can keep criticising us but I know what I want and I will be patient to make sure we get the right fit of players for our club,” Bennett said.

“Everybody else in the competition wants quality, so we won’t get all our targets, but we are going to have a strong pack from day one. If we want to be a successful club, we need a strong forward pack and we will have that. That’s where it all starts.

“Everyone likes to talk about fullbacks, five-eighths and halfbacks, but they can’t do anything on the field without a strong group of guys to lead the way up front.”

The Cowboys were keen to retain Gilbert, but it is understood the hard-running forward was enticed by the prospect of being coached by Bennett.

“We are very happy to get Tom, it’s a good signing for us. He has been in good form since the season started,” Bennett said. “I like his energy and enthusiasm.”