Tom Gilbert has capped his return to the field from long-term injury by being named the Dolphins’ club captain for the 2025 NRL season.
Marking a new era for the club, Head Coach Kristian Woolf unveiled Gilbert’s captaincy at the Dolphins season launch in Brisbane tonight.
“Tom has proven to be a leader on and off the field and his influence in the locker room is ever-present, even with all the challenges he has faced in his career,” said Woolf.
“The playing group respond to him and respects him.
“The things we admire about Tom – the way he leads by example, his work ethic, and his love for the club – are the qualities I want our team to aspire to.”
Gilbert’s impact on the playing group was evident last season when the team elected to honour his initials on the club jersey despite him missing the season with a knee injury.
The 24-year-old will also have the support of the senior leadership group consisting of Felise Kaufusi, Kenny Bromwich and Mark Nicholls.
Kaufusi has also been named the Dolphins’ official vice-captain.
Woolf said this senior group had played a vital role in the formation of the Dolphins.
“All four players have been pivotal in the leadership of this club over the past two seasons, and these are the right men to lead the side moving forward,” he said.
Dolphins’ CEO Terry Reader echoed Woolf’s sentiments.
“Tom has earned the respect of the playing group and club staff alike due to his leadership skills, personability and hard-working nature,” he said.
From the day he joined the club, his leadership has been on display for all to see.
Terry Reader Dolphins CEO
“The senior leadership group, including our inaugural captain Jesse Bromwich, has laid a strong foundation for our club, and their continued influence along with Tom’s captaincy will help drive the Dolphins forward in 2025 and beyond.”
Off the field, Gilbert recently embraced another exciting new role—fatherhood. He and his partner Maddie welcomed their son, Luca, marking a cherished milestone in their lives.
Gilbert will officially captain the Dolphins for the first time in Round 1 when they take on the Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, March 7.
