Gilbert: Dolphins captaincy would be an ‘honour’

Photo: Courtesy Dolphins NRL 

Tom Gilbert has been flagged as a potential Dolphins NRL captain following the retirement of Jesse Bromwich. He says it’s a chance he would grab with both hands, if given the nod.

Speaking from a three-day training camp, which started today at Twin Waters resort on the Sunshine Coast, Gilbert says it would be an honour to lead the club.

“Jesse was a great skipper but, foremost, he’s a great person. He did such a great job for this club. There’s a period of time now that we’ve got to make that decision (about his replacement),” Gilbert says.

“I’d welcome it with two hands if I had that opportunity but like any captain, you need the support around you. We’re lucky, we’ve got so many great leaders here who can step into that role and do that job, and no doubt fill the void that Jesse leaves.”

It’s not clear when the Dolphins will announce Bromwich’s replacement, but speculation is growing that Gilbert is in the frame.

“This is an important camp for us to get our footy right. It (the announcement) could be soon, it could be in a few weeks,” Gilbert says.

His comments following glowing endorsements from teammates such as Isaiya Katoa and Jamayne Isaako.

“If any of my mates are giving me a compliment, it is a nice feeling because at the end of the day they’re the blokes I want to go out and try to impress. They’re the blokes I want them to know I have their backs,” Gilbert says.

The 24-year-old put a scare through the camp this morning when he rolled his ankle.

“I scared myself a little bit, but it’s alright. It’s part and parcel of footy … injuries and little niggles … a contact sport. I’m glad it’s OK but. I’ll take a load off it for the next few days and I’ll be good to go,” he says.

At this stage, the plan is for him to make his return in the club’s final NRL Pre-Season Challenge game against the Titans at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium ahead of round one.

“I’m all on track. Obviously, I’ll have a few days off now but hopefully get a few minutes in the last trial and (be) good to go this year,” he says.

Gilbert is keen to put his unlucky run of injuries behind him and play again this season.

He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in his right knee during a trial game against the Warriors in Auckland in February, and then experienced a blood clot after the flight home which delayed his surgery until May 14.

The 2024 season injury followed a serious shoulder injury during the State of Origin opener in 2023, which resulted in a reconstruction and lengthy rehabilitation.

“I’m just really grateful it’s finally coming to an end and I can look forward to playing some football again. I’m really excited for that opportunity,” Gilbert says.

He says while it has been tough to watch from the sidelines for such a long time, the experience would make him a better player.

In paying tribute to his wife, friends, family, teammates and the staff who helped him recover from both injuries, Gilbert says he is feeling good in body and mind.

“I’ve had a huge number of people at the club who have helped me and made this time easier,” he says.

“That’s why I have the confidence to come back and be the player I once was.

“To be training at this intensity, I feel like I’m ready to go.”