Tom Gilbert’s Journey to a Queensland Recall
Tom Gilbert, co-captain of the Dolphins, has found inspiration in his teammate Thomas Flegler’s return to the Queensland side. This motivation has fueled Gilbert’s desire for a recall to the Maroons after addressing a critical issue in his game.
With Pat Carrigan sidelined due to an injury in the second game of the State of Origin series in Melbourne, there is now an opportunity for Gilbert to step into the lineup with another strong performance against North Queensland on Sunday.
“I always want to play for Queensland. I have always been vocal about it and it has been one of the driving reasons why I keep turning up each day and keep coming back from injuries,” Gilbert shared.
Gilbert was omitted from the Maroons side that lost 22-20 in the opening State of Origin clash in Sydney. His disappointment at not being selected led him to reflect on his performance, where he identified several errors in his game.
“Errors are a part of footy, but mine were in crucial times,” he said.
As a fiery edge/middle forward, Gilbert has made just two mistakes in his last four games, all of which resulted in wins for the Dolphins. This consistency has placed him on the right track as he prepares to play his 12th NRL game of the season in a row.
“I have been really happy with the last four weeks and the consistency around that and minimizing those errors,” he said.
“My confidence in my football ability makes me confident that … I will be there in a Maroons jersey eventually. This weekend will be the most games of footy I have played in a season in four years.”
“I probably needed a realisation of how I am going to get back to my best footy. I’m lucky I have had really good discussions with my coaches and my role coming off the bench now really helps me.”
Gilbert played two Origin games in 2022 and 2023, winning both, before three season-ending injuries kept him out of contention for eight Origin matches.
Flegler’s return to the Queensland side at Accor Stadium after a three-year absence is a source of inspiration for Gilbert. Flegler overcame almost two years on the sidelines with a shoulder injury to make his comeback.
“It is inspirational because he could have easily gone away from footy but chose to stick it out and take a tougher route,” Gilbert said.
“For someone like that to get the reward after a long journey back, I can only imagine what that feeling and emotion is like. It is something I would love to have one day. It would be emotional. It would be everything.”
Gilbert is held in high regard by Maroons selectors and is in contention to replace Carrigan. “Things like that do cross your mind but I have just got to worry about myself. If I can play my best and minimize the errors I can potentially be in the frame,” he said.
His fellow Dolphins teammate, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who was the Maroons’ 20th man in game one, is a strong candidate for inclusion after his powerful back-row performances.
“I know Kuli is chomping at the bit,” Gilbert said.
“He talks about what he is learning in the camps and that is a huge bonus for his development and us as a group. I know if he gets that chance he will be running hard.”
