It has almost been like getting a fresh recruit for the Dolphins, as inspirational lock Tom Gilbert partook in his first gruelling opposed sessions this week.
The trademark aggression and determination that made him a State of Origin star was back, traits that make him a strong favourite to assume the Dolphins captaincy.
Those are characteristics incoming 21-year-old wrecking ball Kulikefu Finefeuiaki knows well, having witnessed the early makings of Gilbert during their time at the Cowboys.
Tom Gilbert celebrates scoring a try for the Dolphins. He’s now intent on bringing that same firepower back from injury.Credit: Getty
As Gilbert announced himself as one of the NRL’s most damaging forwards, a dislocated shoulder suffered while playing for Queensland in 2023 ended his crusade, before a ruptured ACL last preseason extended his hiatus to 18 months.
But Finefeuiaki – signed on a three-year deal, during which he will battle Connelly Lemuelu and Oryn Keeley for the edge forward spots – declared the 24-year-old’s relentless diligence in rehab was nothing new.
Finefeuiaki, who pledged his allegiance to Tonga and Samoa through his parents’ heritage, intends to lean on Gilbert’s expertise, which proved key in his decision to move to Redcliffe.
Those insights, and his desire to represent the island nations, could be what propels him into Maroons’ calculations.
“Nothing’s changed, it’s still the same old Tom Gilbert. He’s a workhorse, he works his butt off, and you just want to be like him. To have a guy like that in your team is outstanding,” Finefeuiaki said.
“He’s always been like that, he always wants to get better every day. If there’s something he’s not happy about, he’ll just work on it, and if he’s happy with something he’ll just keep building it – that’s who Tom Gilbert is.
“Right now I’m just trying to focus on what I can do for the Dolphins [rather than Origin]. It’s Dolphins first, and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki arrives at the Dolphins from the Cowboys intent on cementing a starting spot, having been stuck behind Jeremiah Nanai and Heilum Luki.Credit: Getty
It is not just Gilbert’s football nous the Dolphins missed as they faded from finals contention, but the leadership qualities halfback Isaiya Katoa is adamant will take the squad to the next level.
So key has Gilbert been in building the foundations of the club, the team ended last year with ‘TG13’ etched on their jerseys – a sign of the esteem in which he is held.
Now that skipper Jesse Bromwich has retired, Katoa revealed valuable additions to Gilbert’s skill set were already on display.
“He’s learnt how to be a bit more of a leader through his communication now and with the loss of Jesse he’s taken it upon himself to take on more of a leadership role,” Katoa said.
“The thing we love and respect about Tom is he earns it through his actions not just his words. He’s actually moving really well, and that’s great signs for him.
“He loves to bring aggression, he’s one of the biggest competitors. [Coach Kristian Woolf] talks about it a lot, it’s very contagious.”
Isaiya Katoa on Tom Gilbert
“When your teammates and other forward packs see him going after different forwards and going after the game, we will take something out of what he’s bringing.
“That’s where our game is going – it’s the pack who wants to work the hardest.”
