Tom Gilbert ready for Rabbitohs’ clash

Dolphins NRL Captain Tom Gilbert is looking forward to leading his side out for their clash against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium which, at this stage, is scheduled to go ahead (7pm kick off).

Gilbert spoke to the media after this morning’s training session and said the team would “play to the conditions”, whatever they may be.

“Honestly, we’re keeping it a normal week right now. We’ll just play it day by day. If that (severe weather) comes on Friday, we’ll just adjust to the conditions. It’s business as usual,” he said.

“We’re not too worried about it. We think Friday will be a good night of footy.”

In his cyclone update this afternoon, Premier David Crisafulli said he was working closely with clubs ahead of major sporting events this week, sharing information so they could keep ticketholders informed.

The Dolphins are preparing for the game which will be their first match-up against inaugural coach Wayne Bennett, who is now at the helm of the Rabbitohs.

South Sydney will be without stars Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell, who are out injured.

“There’s been no discussion from us about (them being) understrength. Wayne was here last year and we lost a lot of players throughout the year and we know what a wonderful job he can do under pressure.

“Obviously, Cameron Murray and Latrell are class players but I have no doubt they have a lot of depth in their squad.

“We’ll have absolute respect in our preparation for the Rabbitohs this week and we know what any Wayne Bennett side can do.”

Gilbert plans to lead by example from round one in his new role as Captain.

“Obviously actions … they’re the biggest things that matter the most … coming here every day and leading by actions is the best thing,” he said.

“When the game comes, doing what the team needs. It’s about the team, putting the team first. That’s not just how I’ll play, (it’s how) everyone will play.

“That’s the expectation the Dolphins will have for me this year.”

So, what has Kristian Woolf asked of him?

“He said not to change much. Obviously, I’ve got to do a (coin) toss now and decisions around that. A lot of the decisions on the field will come through me, so just being aware of where we are in a game, the situation and making sure I know the right things to do that suit our game plan,” Gilbert said.

“I’m lucky. I’ve got enough smart players around me to help with those decisions.”

Gilbert said he was not nervous about how his knee will hold up after his ACL injury recovery and says he is in the best physical and mental shape he had been in for a while.

“I’m nervous and excited for Friday night. Obviously, back playing footy. It’s more excitement. I’ve realised with my time off that it’s a privilege to play this game. It’s not a given, so I’m just going to take one game at a time,” he said.