Dolphins firebrand Tom Gilbert has returned to pre-season training fighting fit and vocal as ever, while displaying all the qualities that have him touted as the next club captain.
The 24-year-old missed the 2024 season with a ruptured ACL but was full of vim at the club's first field session under new head coach Kristian Woolf as he targets a round-one return to the NRL.
On one occasion Gilbert called all the players into a huddle and laid down the law about the standards required. Big guns Jeremy Marshall-King and Mark Nicholls were also on hand with a group of train and trial players.
Queensland prop Thomas Flegler, who missed most of 2024 with a shoulder injury, was also in attendance, although he did not do the whole session.
Flegler has had surgery on the shoulder that had nerve damage, but a date for his return to action is yet to be decided.
Gilbert's return is a huge boost to the Dolphins as they target a maiden finals berth in 2025.
He was in tremendous shape, but that came as no surprise to Woolf.
"I don’t expect anything less from him to be honest," Woolf told AAP on Wednesday.
"It is impressive, but that is who he is as a bloke. Tom prides himself on being fit and having a really good work ethic and training tough. He has got himself through a really tough period and I am looking forward to getting him back."
Gilbert is one of the leading candidates to replace retired captain Jesse Bromwich. Veteran prop Mark Nicholls is another, but Woolf said a decision on who would captain the side was yet to be made.
"We will figure all that stuff out in due time," he said.
"There are a number of guys who I think can do a really good job, and they will show me that and put their hands up over a really good pre-season."
New assistant coach Rory Kostjasyn was on deck for his first day, and Gilbert's leadership caught his eye.
"Physically he looks good and I am sure the medical staff are happy with how he is tracking," Kostjasyn said.
"You can see Tom's leadership ability by the way he talks with the group and with his actions.
"It says he is invested and hungry for success, not only with his rehab and getting back on the field, but also he wants the best for this group and club."
Flegler's situation remains a hot topic.
"The reports I am hearing, everything is going well," Kostjasyn said.
"I don’t think there is a time-frame set in stone (on his return). I can imagine he is champing at the bit. It is a boost for everyone to see him in the training kit and around the group."
Kostjasyn, who was previously at Newcastle as an assistant coach, said the arrival of former Knights and NSW prop Daniel Saifiti would give the pack real clout.
"I get along pretty well with Daniel," he said.
"I went to Newcastle alongside him as a player originally and was fortunate enough to coach him for a couple of years.
"He is an outstanding player and when he is at the top of his game he is arguably the best front-rower in the game.
"I am looking forward to getting him up here and reproducing that best footy he is capable of."
