Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi has declared his skipper Tom Gilbert should “absolutely” be brought back into the Queensland Maroons’ fold, potentially setting up an enthralling clash with Blues counterpart Liam Martin.
It has taken time for the two-time State of Origin star to work back towards his best football, having missed the best part of 18 months while he recovered from a dislocated shoulder suffered in his last Maroons appearance in 2023, before rupturing his ACL upon his comeback.
The 24-year-old has endured a rollercoaster introduction to the captaincy, overseeing four-straight defeats to launch their campaign, before a three-game winning run was following by back-to-back losses once again.
Tom Gilbert in action.Credit: NRL Photos
Returning to his favoured position of lock in the injury absence of Max Plath (foot), Gilbert finished with 91 running metres and 43 tackles – however, he did miss seven – in the Dolphins’ 36-26 Magic Round defeat to the Roosters.
He partook minimally in Monday’s opposed session at Redcliffe due to sternum pain, however is not expected to be in any doubt for Thursday night’s clash with the Eels.
Despite Gilbert’s indifferent start – running for more than 100 metres just once this year, while averaging 42 tackles a game – Kaufusi was adamant Gilbert needed to be ushered into the fray when Queensland coach Billy Slater names his squad for the series opener on May 28.
Incumbent Maroons lock and Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter will miss the next two games through suspension, but would still be free to come into consideration, but Gilbert could still garner a chance on the left edge against New South Wales champion, Martin.
“Absolutely, he’s one of those players you would pick no doubt, and he would go out and give it his all,” Kaufusi, who played in all three Origin games last year, said.
“I’m not part of the selectors, but he would definitely be on my radar. They [Gilbert and Martin] are both firecrackers in a sense, and they both love playing for their state.
“After coming off back-to-back season ending injuries, it’s always going to be tough for someone to try and come back from that. But I think the way he is, the way he attacks the game … whether it’s in the backrow or through the middle, he goes after it.
“That’s something I love as a player, playing alongside someone who goes after the game.”
Kaufusi confirmed he would be fit to return from a knee concern and take on Parramatta, in a timely boost for a Dolphins side who have been without their first-choice middle three since Daniel Saifiti succumbed to a shoulder injury 29 minutes into their defeat to Canberra.
Saifiti’s rehabilitation timeline remains uncertain, while Plath has undergone surgery on his foot and is not expected back until after the club’s round 13 bye.
“Injuries are part of our sport, and we’ve lost some starters and big players, but every team deals with injuries. It’s the opportunity that presents for fringe players or guys who don’t get that chance to step up,” Kaufusi said.
“I’m feeling pretty good, I’m confident I’ll be ready.”
