Gilbert and Flegler Set for Dolphins Return in Pre-Season Clash
In a significant boost for the Dolphins, captain Tom Gilbert is poised to make his return from injury in the club’s pre-season trial match against the Gold Coast Titans this Thursday. The highly anticipated clash at Kayo Stadium will also see the long-awaited comeback of star prop Thomas Flegler, marking a momentous occasion for the Redcliffe-based club.
For Flegler, this will be his first NRL appearance in a staggering 677 days. The powerful front-rower has been sidelined since April 2024, grappling with a complex shoulder and nerve injury. This extended layoff significantly hampered his rehabilitation, making his return a testament to his resilience and determination.
“It’s a great feeling for Tommy, obviously, it’s been a tough journey,” Gilbert shared with Zero Tackle at the NRL’s season media launch on Tuesday. “It’s not like a normal injury, with the layoff, there was a lot of unknown with him, ‘if he’ll play again’, ‘when will he play again?’ I think the best thing for him is that we know that he will play again, and he’s going to play this Thursday night.”
Gilbert himself will also be back on the field after a lengthy stint on the sidelines. The Dolphins skipper suffered a ruptured pectoral muscle mid-way through the 2025 season and is eager to showcase the results of his dedicated off-season training.
“Yeah, the body is good. Obviously, it’s a tough time of the year when you’re constantly getting flogged and training hard,” Gilbert admitted. “At the end, there’s a reward, and as a team, we’re looking forward to that reward. Season’s not too far away, and getting those final touches together is really important, but just creating that momentum and taking that into the season is our focus now.”
Flegler’s Impact and the Dolphins’ Ambitious Outlook
Gilbert highlighted Flegler’s tenacious attitude, extensive experience, and leadership qualities as invaluable assets that the Dolphins have sorely missed. The prop’s return is viewed as a pivotal moment in the club’s quest for a maiden premiership.
“The best thing is, you know, he’s definitely coming out on the other side,” Gilbert said, emphasizing Flegler’s personal growth during his recovery. “He’s definitely improved as a footy player, as a person, as a leader, in our group, and as a group, we’re really excited to have him back in there. It means a lot to us. I know he’s had limited time here in terms of playing, but some of the stuff he has done off the field and the connections he’s made as a group. We’re really excited to have him back and just see him do well, which he will do.”
The Dolphins have bolstered their squad for the 2026 season with several quality additions, including the exciting Queensland duo Selwyn Cobbo and Bradley Schneider, alongside hardened English import Morgan Knowles. This blend of talent and experience has created one of the most formidable and well-rounded rosters in the competition. The prospect of Gilbert and Flegler, who have been contracted at the club since 2023 and 2024 respectively but have played limited football together due to their respective injuries, finally gracing the field side-by-side is a frightening one for rival clubs.
Fans have every reason to be optimistic as the Dolphins aim to make a significant impact this year, having narrowly missed out on a finals berth last season.
Refining Defence and Unveiling Future Stars
Gilbert elaborated on the team’s strategic focus for the upcoming season. “We had good discussions about the year that was, and look, if we maintain our attack, we want to play footy from anywhere on the field, and we want to maintain that as the year goes on,” he stated.
A key area identified for improvement is defence, particularly close to their own try line. “One area we know we need to be better in is our defence, especially on our goal line. Having the resolve and the resilience to hold teams out again and again,” Gilbert explained. “With a few little adjustments there, better application at training and in games, that’s really gonna go a long way towards our season. To maintain our energy and discipline in our attack, and then to take that same energy and just spin it to our defence.”
The club’s commitment to nurturing future talent was also on full display last Saturday. The emerging Dolphins squad took on the Central Queensland Capras at Marley Brown Oval, offering fans an exciting glimpse of the potential stars who will represent the club in the years to come. This combination of established stars returning and promising youngsters developing paints a bright picture for the Dolphins’ future.
