Full Circle: Gilbert Ready to embrace historic prelim

From the Dolphins’ first NRL game to their first Preliminary Final, Tom Gilbert has been there for the journey.

Now, with a sold-out Suncorp Stadium awaiting on Friday night, Gilbert and the Dolphins are ready to embrace another historic moment for the club.

The Dolphins will face the Roosters for a place in the NRL Grand Final, bringing the club’s journey full circle against the same opposition they faced in their inaugural NRL match in 2023.

Gilbert was there that afternoon when the Dolphins announced themselves to the competition with a memorable victory over the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.

Four years later, he will run out against them again on the biggest stage the club has reached.

“It’s a full-circle moment. It’s great for the club, for both clubs too. Obviously there’s a history there,” Gilbert said.

“Obviously, the first game, our first club win, it’s a massive thing.”

This time, the stakes are even higher.

A place in the Grand Final awaits the winner, while a capacity Suncorp Stadium crowd will be behind the Dolphins as they continue their maiden Finals campaign.

The excitement surrounding the week was on full display as members and fans turned out to watch the squad train, giving the players an early taste of the support awaiting them on Friday night.

“It’s a great privilege to walk out here and something that really excites us for the week ahead,” Gilbert said.

“Our fans mean a lot to us and to get the opportunity to train in front of them and have a great turnout really excites us for what’s ahead this week.

“It’s a really great opportunity for those fans to enjoy this week as well.”

For Gilbert, the occasion is one to embrace rather than shy away from.

After a season spent working towards Finals football, the Dolphins co-captain said the group understands the magnitude of what lies ahead.

“It is a massive occasion and we’re not going to lie about that throughout the week with our talk and what’s ahead,” he said.

“All year we’ve welcomed the pressure to be in this position.

“We’re finally here. We wanted to be in this position. So let’s not be afraid of it. Let’s enjoy the challenge.”

Friday night will also provide a moment to reflect on just how far the Dolphins have come.

From the club’s first NRL side taking the field against the Roosters in 2023, to the players, staff, members and fans who have helped build the journey since, the Dolphins now stand just 80 minutes away from their first Grand Final appearance.

Gilbert knows the Roosters will arrive with plenty of motivation of their own, but says the Dolphins will be ready for the challenge.

“They’re a great team for obvious reasons and the best team will win at the end of the day,” he said

“It’s going to be an awesome and exciting challenge.”

The Roosters were there when the Dolphins made history for the first time.

Now, in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, the Dolphins have the chance to make history against them once again.