The Dolphins have further bolstered their forward stocks for 2023, adding North Queensland backrower Tom Gilbert for their inaugural season.
Gilbert joins the likes of Mark Nicholls, Felise Kaufusi, Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Ray Stone in the engine room, with Titans fullback Jamayne Isaako also locked in.
The 21-year-old has featured in the middle and on the edge since making his debut in 2020, settling in the second row.
READ MORE: Tupou faces one-week ban over high shot
READ MORE: Ricciardo praised after post-crash conduct
READ MORE: Warriors ‘gave up’ in flogging, says coach
READ MORE: ‘Weak’ Ben Simmons smashed as ‘worst in sports’
With the imminent arrival of Luciano Leilua and the likes of Jeremiah Nanai and Heilum Luki also at the Cowboys, few would blame him for looking elsewhere for a better opportunity.
“One of the key strategies for establishing the Dolphins in the NRL is to give more young local players the opportunity to progress to the elite level of the game,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.
“Tom is a perfect example of someone who may not have had to leave Brisbane originally if there were more opportunities to enter professional systems.”
Gilbert was born and raised in Brisbane and played his junior football at Norths Devils.
“We are very excited he has decided to come home to Brisbane and join us for our inaugural season,” Reader said.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now
“He is a young, tough and uncompromising forward who has now established himself as an NRL-class player.
“What is most exciting for the Dolphins is we know he has the best years of his career just ahead of him.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!