Tom Gilbert (rugby league)


Tom Gilbert is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League.

Background

Born and raised in Brisbane, Gilbert played his junior rugby league for the Norths Devils. He attended Wavell State High School and St Patrick's College, Shorncliffe, before finishing his schooling at Brisbane Grammar School, where he was the vice-captain of their first XV rugby union team. In 2015, he joined the North Queensland Cowboys academy.

Playing career

Early career

In 2016, Gilbert played for the Norths Devils Cyril Connell Cup team and was later selected for the Queensland under-16 team. In 2017, he moved up to the Devils' Mal Meninga Cup team and represented the Queensland under-18 team. In 2018, Gilbert moved to Townsville and joined the Townsville Blackhawks. After two games for the club's Mal Meninga Cup side, he moved up to their under-20 team. Later that year he was selected again in the Queensland under-18 team.
On 16 October 2018, Gilbert re-signed with the Cowboys, moving up to their NRL squad on a one-year development deal. In 2019, he spent the entire season playing for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup. In July 2019, he was named vice-captain of the Queensland under-20 team. In September 2019, he was named the Queensland Cup Rookie of the Year and was named at lock in the Team of the Year.
On 29 November 2019, Gilbert re-signed with the Cowboys until the end of 2022, joining the club's top-30 squad.

2020

In Round 4 of the 2020 NRL season, Gilbert made his NRL debut for the Cowboys against the Cronulla Sharks.
In just his second NRL game, Gilbert copped a three match ban for a crusher tackle on New Zealand Warriors forward King Vuniyayawa.

Achievements and accolades

Individual