Tom Gilbert ready to be QLD enforcer in State of Origin Game 1

It’s hard to believe the quietly spoken, polite, and gentlemanly Tom Gilbert will transform into a rugged, aggressive enforcer for Queensland in Wednesday night’s brutal first State of Origin clash in Adelaide.

But that’s exactly what will happen when the 22-year-old chisel-chinned Gilbert pulls on his Maroon jumper for the second time for Queensland against NSW at Adelaide Oval.

Gilbert’s mild-mannered demeanour is not unlike another former Queensland Origin forward, Petero Civoniceva, who was also quietly spoken and polite off the field, but a hardman on it.

Brisbane-born Gilbert, in his first season at Redcliffe, is both humble and respectful, that is until he crosses the white line, then he becomes a fierce competitor prepared to do whatever it takes to secure a win for his teammates.

It’s a trait that recently prompted iconic Queensland and Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett to declare he wouldn’t pick a Queensland side without Gilbert in it.

Quite a rap for Gilbert, who less than 12 months ago was considered something of a liability at times because he had trouble controlling his aggression when playing for North Queensland in the NRL.

But that all changed last year when rookie coach Billy Slater handed him his biggest rugby league moment making his State of Origin debut in the series decider at Suncorp Stadium.

And Gilbert delivered the goods for Slater, playing 78 minutes off the bench after early injuries, making 19 hit-ups and 37 tackles in a torrid performance that ensured his place in this year’s series opener.

This time he will be in the thick of the fiery opening exchanges which saw three players knocked out in the first few minutes in last year’s third game.

Gilbert paid tribute to last year’s teammate Josh Papalii saying he would be driven by his legacy and his selflessness on Wednesday night.

“I wish I got the opportunity to play a lot more footy with Pappa (Papalii) who played with passion and left a big legacy behind,” said Gilbert.

“He was the first player to take the ball forward.

“You can’t take a backward step in rugby league or you will be punished. We are under no illusions that NSW is not a very good rugby league side.

“If you take a backward step you are going to have your pants pulled down.”

Gilbert has thrived since Bennett took him under his wing at the newly formed Dolphins this season and his football has gone to another level.

He left the North Queensland Cowboys for the opportunity to be closer to his family, including his twin brother, and be coached by Bennett.

“Wayne has had a lot of time for me. He has accepted my mistakes and allowed me to keep working on the things I am good at,” Gilbert said.

“I am not saying he excuses my mistakes, but he definitely encourages me to be Tom.”

He said for Bennett to compliment him so highly was really humbling.

“Wayne’s got something special about him. For him to say something like that is really humbling and something I really appreciate and I certainly don’t take it for granted,” he said.

Queensland is a $2.20 outsider to win Origin Game 1, while NSW is priced at $1.65 with leading online bookmakers.

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