LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Dolphins forward Thomas Flegler has set his sights on returning to play in Round 1 of the 2026 NRL season.
Flegler has been absent from NRL matches since the beginning of the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury.
This injury led to nerve damage, which has kept him off the field ever since. There has been speculation about retirement for the player, who was signed as the club's marquee forward from the Brisbane Broncos before the 2024 season.
Despite these challenges, the former Origin representative believes he still has much to contribute to the NRL if he can regain his form. He informed AAP about his goal to return for Round 1.
Reports indicate that he will start full contact training after Christmas, having already begun light contact sessions as he prepares for his first game in almost two years.
"I still have a long way to go but I am looking to make a play for round one," Flegler stated. "If that means getting a few trials in before that, then we will."