The call was made from Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater two minutes into State of Origin Game III after a collision between Selwyn Cobbo and Pat Carrigan... Queensland’s newest player Tom Gilbert was thrown into the action much quicker than he anticipated.
Gilbert quickly adapted to the situation and played out the remaining 78 minutes in a massive effort that saw him make 36 tackles during Queensland’s 22-12 series deciding win.
Gilbert: 'It is a dream come true'
It was this ability to adapt and show resilience in an uncomfortable situation that brought Gilbert to be standing in front of Year 4 pupils at Boondall State School.
One of the first Dolphins recruited by Wayne Bennett for 2023, the former North Queensland Cowboys talent was keen to share his learnings from 47 NRL games and that one night in July.
But before Origin stories was Gilbert’s education stories of change, growth and improvement.
“The big change in my life was going to Brisbane Grammar and finding balance and stability,” Gilbert explained to the class.
“Before that I was a disruptive student, I didn’t take school seriously... maybe that’s some of you sitting here now.
“My goal became going to university and that’s what I achieved."
Gilbert is currently completing his business degree but has toyed with studying journalism too.
“It’s all about options and when you do your best at school you’re open to options," Gilbert said.
Gilbert’s message about growth and marginal gains and improvement apply to NRL players and Year 4 pupils.
“I had teachers who were big believers in not measuring success by results but by measuring where you started from and where you finished, and your growth along that path," Gilbert said.
“That’s important in Year 4 too and the NRL or university.
“That was a good mindset for someone like myself – that it wasn’t about comparing myself to others. It was about me having a go and taking the opportunities.”
Gilbert loves talking education, but watch his eyes light up when you ask him about Origin.
Back to Suncorp Stadium in July and the call from Slater that Gilbert was on and had a job to do.
“I will always remember being in the sheds before the game, looking around at Ben Hunt, Daly Cherry-Evans... it was great," Gilbert said.
“It was us, 17 Queenslanders on our own with a job to do.
I looked around and Josh Papalii just smiled and said he had my back.
Tom Gilbert FOG #228
"I am about to play for Queensland and Big Papa has my back - that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“I don’t know how many people have got that opportunity – to make your Origin debut in a decider at Suncorp Stadium in front of family and friends, and win.”
Gilbert took the opportunity that presented itself that night, but it was the hard work before then, done away from Origin, that won him the right to play for Queensland.
The growth and marginal gains and the personal improvement slog that no one saw. Year 4 know about that now.
