NRL 2022: Dolphins recruit Tom Gilbert explains call to leave Cowboys

Tom Gilbert played State of Origin and finals in a breakout 2022 season — now he’s starting afresh with the NRL’s newest club.

Tom Gilbert talks to the media for the first time as a Dolphin. Picture: Josh Woning

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.

Tom Gilbert made his Maroons debut in the State of Origin decider this year. Picture: Getty Images

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 to the Cowboys at $13.

But Gilbert wouldn’t be anywhere else, declaring he made the right decision to return to south east 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.”

Tom Gilbert (right) and Jarrod Wallace model the Dolphins jerseys for the 2023 NRL season. Picture: Josh Woning

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 front-runner 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.

Jesse Bromwich is the front-runner to captain the Dolphins. Picture: Getty Images

“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 and things I could do to help my own game. That was something that was important to me.

“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.

“I am coming here to be under one of the best coaches to ever coach in the NRL and some of the best leaders in the NRL. That’s an opportunity I didn’t want to go to waste, that’s why I haven’t had second guesses about joining the Dolphins.

Tom Gilbert had a breakout season for the Cowboys in 2022. Picture: Getty Images

“Down the track (captaincy is) definitely something you want to do. I’m coming into this time in my career where I want to be led just as much as I want to lead. I want to learn off them and listen to what they have to say. I just want to learn off them for the next couple of years and let that take my footy to the next level.

“Jesse is the Test captain for New Zealand and been a Melbourne captain and leader for plenty of years. For a young forward like myself, to play alongside someone like him is an honour and positive.”

After kicking off their first pre-season on Monday, the Dolphins will welcome their next instalment of players next week but won’t have a full squad until January due to the World Cup.

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