Two years of pain: Dolphins duo ready for emotional return to field

Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has named a host of big names for Thursday's clash, with Isaiya Katoa to line up at halfback and Selwyn Cobbo playing his first match after jumping across town from the Broncos. 

The Titans will also field a strong team led by new recruit Lachlan Ilias and boom rookie Cooper Bai. 

Gilbert will be joined on the field on Thursday night by another Dolphin who has endured a horror injury run, Tom Flegler.

The prop is preparing to play his first game in 677 days, having last taken to the field in Round 5 2024 when he suffered nerve damage in his shoulder while making a tackle.

There were initial fears Flegler would be forced to hang up the boots before he eventually had successful nerve transplant surgery and started the lengthy process of returning to full training.

The Maroons and Kangaroos representative was cleared for contact during the pre-season and he will play his first game since April 6 2024 when he comes off the bench against the Titans on Thursday night.

Having spent so much time with his Dolphins teammate in the rehab squad, Gilbert has been inspired by Flegler’s commitment to get back on the field.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for Tom,” Gilbert said. “Not just for Tom but his family and the people close to him. The unknown was the scary part. It wasn’t a matter of when he’ll get back, it was a matter of it.

“The best thing is it’s all behind him and he’s going to play this week, he’ll play Round 1 and it will be awesome to see him playing. It’s been tough, he’s had a lot of mental challenges, physical challenges and a lot of time away from the game.

“The way he’s come back to training and how he looks, he’s ready to go this year. His resilience and ability to handle tough situations will help with the rest of his career. I don’t think much fazes Tommy anymore after what he went through the last two years.

“As a group we’re so excited for him. We’re excited to see Tom Flegler back playing in the NRL. He’s got a huge role to play in our team and he knows it. It’s good to see that excitement back in his face to play that role.”

Gilbert’s injuries have forced him to watch from the sidelines as the Dolphins have finished one win short of the top eight in back-to-back seasons.

Last year was particularly disappointing, with the side sitting inside the eight until a three-game losing streak from Round 23-25 derailed their finals push.

In the process, the Dolphins became the first team since 1924 to boast the best attacking record in the competition and fail to qualify for the finals.

That pain has triggered a defensive focus for coach Kristian Woolf after his side leaked nearly 25 points a game in 2025.

It’s a stat Gilbert is desperate to improve as he looks to lead his club to their first finals appearance. From there, he hopes, the representative honours will follow.

“The big goal for me this year is to lead the Dolphins to the finals,” Gilbert said. “Obviously we haven’t done that before and it’s a huge goal of mine.

“I know with good form and the team going well, the rep stuff takes care of itself. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want rep honours again. I do want rep honours more than anything, but my goal this year is working myself physically and mentally to be in the capacity to lead the team to the finals for the first time.

“I’m really excited to do that and from there it’s an absolute dream of mine to wear a rep jersey once again.”

Rugby league is back for 2026. Catch all the action from the second week of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge from Thursday night live on Kayo and Fox Sports.