The Dolphins are setting up for a bright future after locking in Queensland Origin young gun Tom Gilbert to a long-term deal that will cover the next five years.
Gilbert has signed a significant extension that will keep him at the Dolphins until at least the end of the 2028 NRL season.
It continues an impressive retention drive for the Dolphins that has netted major extensions for emerging stars including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jeremy Marshall-King and Connelly Lemuelu.
The Dolphins have also added Origin forward Tom Flegler, international centre Herbie Farnworth and Bulldogs’ speedster Jake Averillo to the squad for next year.
The 22-year-old Gilbert has been one of the finds of the season for the Dolphins, a run of form that was cut short when he suffered a major shoulder injury in the opening State of Origin game in May.
Gilbert sees the bright side as injury ends his season
Now Gilbert, who grew up in Brisbane but made his NRL debut with the Cowboys, has assured he will be a Dolphin for many seasons to come.
Already signed until 2025, this revised deal will tack on at least another three years for a player that is earmarked for a senior leadership role.
“I am very happy to have my long-term future locked in with the Dolphins,” said Gilbert.
“As a Brisbane boy, it has been a great experience to see an NRL team flourish in the region I grew up in. It’s also been a privilege to do it alongside this group of players and with my family right by my side.
“You can see that the Dolphins are set up for a bright future and I want to be part of it.”
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Gilbert had cemented himself in the Dolphins’ organisation and was certain to gain further honours and responsibilities.
“Tom will always be remembered along with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as the first player to represent Queensland from the Dolphins NRL team.
“His work ethic and involvement both on and off the field for the Dolphins already has Tom held in high regard by both the coaches and staff of the club.
“His impressive maturity and ability to work hard towards a goal make him a certainty for future leadership roles here, not excluding the opportunity to one day be captain of the club.”
