Tropical Cyclone Albert is predicted to cross the southern Queensland coast on Thursday and bring havoc in its wake but the Dolphins, until told otherwise, will proceed to train as though Friday night's NRL showdown at Suncorp Stadium will go ahead.
"It's business as usual," new Dolphins skipper Tom Gilbert said.
Gilbert was more concerned about his side not underestimating South Sydney as former Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett prepares to bring an undermanned squad to Brisbane.
Gilbert said "Cyclone Bennett" was capable of blowing hot just when pundits had tipped his side to run cold.
"Wayne was here last year when we lost a lot of players and we know what a wonderful job he can do under pressure," Gilbert said.
"(Injured stars) Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell are class players but I have no doubt they have a lot of depth in their squad.
"We will have absolute respect for the Rabbitohs in our preparation this week and we know what any Wayne Bennett side can do."
Gilbert said Bennett's "inside knowledge" about the Dolphins was only natural but warned that would not be the coach's focus."Wayne played a huge role in our club and the funny thing is that the way we play this year will be a by-product of what he did the last two years," Gilbert said.
"Wayne will be worried about the Rabbitohs."
Gilbert will play his first NRL game since May, 2023 after recovering from a shoulder reconstruction and ACL rupture. He got through a recent trial against Gold Coast and said he was not nervous.
"It's probably a different feeling just to be back playing to be honest. I'm looking forward to embracing this week," Gilbert said.
"I am really happy to be back playing with the squad. Obviously leading the boys is going to be a privilege on Friday night.
"I don't think I will (play) 80 (minutes) but I am fit enough and ready to do that. If the team needs me to, I will. I will put the team first.
"That is how everybody in the team will play and the expectation at the Dolphins."
New head coach Kristian Woolf sat down with the four-man leadership group of Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi, Kenny Bromwich and Mark Nicholls to announce Gilbert as captain.
"We had a good discussion about why I got the role and the things I need to work on too," Gilbert said.
"Like he said and I know, I am not the finished product. It was nice to have the sit down and find out that news."He said not to change much. Obviously ... actions are the things that matter the most.
"I've got to do a (coin) toss now and make any decision around that. Decisions on the field will come from me so I just have to be aware of where we are in a game and the situations to make sure I know the right things to do to suit our game plan.
"I've got smart players around me to help."
