Dolphins forward Tom Gilbert has re-signed with the club until the end of 2028 in a massive boost to the long-term future of the new NRL club.
The 22-year-old Queensland representative was already on the Dolphins' books until 2025, but his two-year extension solidifies the strong squad the club is building for the future.
Gilbert dislocated his shoulder while playing for the Maroons in game one of the State of Origin series and had season-ending surgery, but he will be back training in November ahead of the 2024 season.
"I am very happy to have my long-term future locked in with the Dolphins," Gilbert said.
"As a Brisbane boy, it has been a great experience to see an NRL team flourish in the region I grew up in. It's also been a privilege to do it alongside this group of players and with my family right by my side."
The Dolphins already have a plethora of key players signed long-term with fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on deck until the end of 2027. Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, second-rower Kenny Bromwich and half Sean O'Sullivan are signed until the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Next year the Dolphins welcome Brisbane and Queensland prop Tom Flegler (2027), Broncos and England international centre Herbie Farnworth (2026) and Canterbury outside back Jake Averillo (2026).
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett said recently that former Cowboys forward Gilbert had been a revelation.
"After working with Tom Gilbert it would be hard for me to leave him out of any team I ever coach because he brings all the qualities you need in a player," Bennett said.
"Is he going to be the headline every week? No he's not but he's that guy that epitomises the Queensland forward pack. He'll get out there and make 50 tackles and 20 carries.
"He helps a lot of other players around him. His form has been really good here. He backed himself to come here. He was playing in a really good team at the Cowboys (in 2022) but he has made a real difference."