Dolphins Captain Tom Gilbert’s State of Origin Aspirations Diminished by Severe Pectoral Injury

Tom Gilbert’s chances of rejoining Billy Slater’s Maroons squad have suffered a setback after the Dolphins captain left the field due to a pectoral injury.

Having participated in the Origin arena on two occasions, Gilbert has struggled to maintain his place in the squad because of persistent shoulder and knee issues.

Unfortunately, his aspirations of being selected for the opening game have once again been dashed, as he was compelled by medical staff to exit the match ten minutes before half-time.

The 24-year-old was trying to halt a relentless Marata Niukore, who was charging towards the in-goal, when his left arm became trapped in an awkward position.

Gilbert immediately grasped at his left shoulder and pectoral as Niukore shrugged off the pursuing defenders to register the first points of the match for the Warriors.

“He lost his footing, Gilbert,” remarked Kevin Walters on Fox League.

“That made it far too easy for Niukore to power through.”

As Luke Metcalf prepared to take the conversion – which he subsequently missed – trainers were seen signalling for a replacement for Gilbert, who seemed desperate to remain on the field.

“He genuinely looks like he wants to continue, but the physio is insisting he has to come off,” Walters commented.

“He just stretched too far and wasn’t able to keep his body compact enough. He looks thoroughly disappointed, and understandably so.”

Initial assessments from the team medical staff suggested that he may have sustained a pectoral injury.

The Warriors went on to widen their lead to 10 points at the half-time mark, thanks to a remarkable team effort involving Metcalf and try-scorer Kurt Capewell.