Tom Gilbert, co-captain of the Dolphins, is now leading his team into the finals, marking a significant personal victory after enduring three challenging years plagued by injuries.
The 26-year-old forward faced multiple injuries, including a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of 2023, a knee reconstruction in 2024, and a pectoral muscle surgery last season.
At times, these setbacks pushed him to consider leaving the sport altogether. "There were a couple of times with my injuries that I was really close to giving it up," Gilbert shared with AAP.
His motivation stemmed from a desire not to let down his young son, Luca, and his teammates. Gilbert found it mentally draining to miss moments with Luca due to his injuries.
Despite the temptation to walk away, the former North Queensland player chose perseverance. He is now poised to lead his team in a qualifying final against the Warriors in Auckland on Saturday.
"I persevered through those tough times, had a crack, and decided to leave it all out there," he said, reflecting on his journey.
Gilbert has also shifted from starting prop to bench player mid-season after discussions with coach Kristian Woolf, which he found relieving.
He benefitted from skipping representative play as it allowed him to focus on his club, emphasizing the importance of mastering the fundamentals of his game.
Having shaken off the injury curse against the Warriors, Gilbert is optimistic. "We have a really strong belief that the footy can match it with the best and we genuinely believe we can win a premiership this year," he stated.
Gilbert's journey illustrates not just his resilience but also the importance of mental toughness in sports, setting a powerful example as he leads his team in their pursuit of success.