He may have already made his State of Origin debut, but young Dolphins prop Tom Gilbert says it was more than just family motivations that prompted him to move from Townsville down to Brisbane ahead of the club's inaugural season.
While Gilbert will always treasure his time at the Cowboys, he believes the exposure to an experienced forward pack full of representative stars is just what he needs to take his already imposing game to the next level.
โFor me, it was a decision that was made for my family,โ Gilbert told the Daily Telegraph.
โIt was easy to make and something I really wanted to do. I'm really happy to be standing here in a Dolphins jersey.
โI love the Cowboys and what they're doing at the momentโฆ but I'm proud to be a Dolphin. I'm really excited about what's ahead.โ
Though the club has faced challenges in recruiting headline talent to the halves or outside backs, the Dolphins will have an experienced starting forward pack including both Jesse and Kenny Bromwich as well as fellow former Storm player Felise Kaufusi. They'll also have former Rabbitohs cult hero Mark Nicholls and former Broncos and Titans prop Jarrod Wallace.
โFor me to go to the next level, I really need players like Jesse, Kenny and Felise around me to support me,โ Gilbert said.
โWhen I was talking to (Wayne Bennett) and going to sign the contract, that's what gave me a lot of comfort . To be around these blokes every day, I hope it can bring the best out of me.
โI'm 22 and young in my career. To go to the next level I need to be coached and get advice and other people to help me.
โI'm coming here to be under one of the best coaches to ever coach in the NRL and some of the best leaders in the NRL. That's an opportunity I didn't want to waste.
โJesse (Bromwich) is the Test captain of New Zealand has been a Melbourne captain and leader for plenty of years. For a young forward like myself to play alongside someone like him is an honour.โ
