Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi has declared his skipper Tom Gilbert should “absolutely” be brought back into the Queensland Maroons’ fold, potentially setting up an enthralling clash with Blues counterpart Liam Martin.

It has taken time for the two-time State of Origin star to work back towards his best football, having missed the best part of 18 months while he recovered from a dislocated shoulder suffered in his last Maroons appearance in 2023, before rupturing his ACL upon his comeback.

The 24-year-old has endured a rollercoaster introduction to the captaincy, overseeing four-straight defeats to launch their campaign, before a three-game winning run was following by back-to-back losses once again.

Returning to his favoured position of lock in the injury absence of Max Plath (foot), Gilbert finished with 91 running metres and 43 tackles – however, he did miss seven – in the Dolphins’ 36-26 Magic Round defeat to the Roosters. 

He partook minimally in Monday’s opposed session at Redcliffe due to sternum pain, however is not expected to be in any doubt for Thursday night’s clash with the Eels.

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Despite Gilbert’s indifferent start – running for more than 100 metres just once this year, while averaging 42 tackles a game – Kaufusi was adamant Gilbert needed to be ushered into the fray when Queensland coach Billy Slater names his squad for the series opener on May 28.

Incumbent Maroons lock and Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter will miss the next two games through suspension, but would still be free to come into consideration, but Gilbert could still garner a chance on the left edge against New South Wales champion, Martin.

“Absolutely, he’s one of those players you would pick no doubt, and he would go out and give it his all,” Kaufusi, who played in all three Origin games last year, said.