Tom Gilbert

Tom Gilbert was born in Brisbane and played his junior rugby league with Norths Devils. Gilbert attended Wavell State High School and St Patricks College, before completing his schooling at Brisbane Grammar School where he was are part of their GPS rugby union side.

In 2015, Gilbert joined the North Queensland Cowboys academy. Gilbert continued his rugby league with Norths Devis in the Cyril Connell Cup and Mal Meninga Cup Competitions. During this period, Gilbert was selected in the Queensland Under 16s and 18s sides.

In 2018, Gilbert moved to Townsville, where he earned a name for himself playing with the Blackhawks in Mal Meninga Cup and Hastings Deering Competitions. Later that season, Gilbert was re-signed by the Cowboys and was promoted to their NRL squad on a development contract.

Gilbert played in Hostplus Cup for the Blackhawks in 2019 and enjoyed a successful year with selection in the Queensland U20s side and was later awarded Rookie of the Year and named at Lock in the Team of the Year.

In 2020, Gilbert made his NRL debut for the Cowboys against the Cronulla Sharks and finished the year having played 12 games.

“There is a fair bit to like about Tom. He has been playing very well and been on the radar for a while. He is that sort of player you want in your team. He works really hard in defence and keeps his feet moving.

Billy Slater FOG #142

Gilbert became played a handful of games for the Cowboys in 2021, before becoming a mainstay in the side in 2022. Off the back of some impressive club form, Gilbert was selected to make his State of Origin debut in the Game III decider at Suncorp Stadium and went on to play a huge 78 minutes after Lindsay Collins was ruled out with concussion early in the game.

In 2023, Gilbert signed with Dolphins, alongside fellow Queensland Maroon and former Cowboy Hamiso Tabui-Fidow. The Dolphins enjoyed success over the opening rounds of the competition, with Gilbert playing a pivotal role. 

The Brisbane born forward was selected for Queensland Maroons in Game I of the 2023 series, before succumbing to a shoulder injury during the opening match of the series.

Set for a big year in 2024, Gilbert sadly suffered a season ending ACL rupture in the Dolphins pre-season game against the Warriors. The Dolphins forward developed a blood clot which moved to his lungs subsequently delaying his surgery and recovery time.