The Dolphins forward, 24, has been tipped by teammates to take over from retired skipper Jesse Bromwich.
Despite a fresh hiccup on Wednesday at their Sunshine Coast preseason camp, Gilbert declared he'll be fit to face South Sydney when the season begins on March 7.
He hasn't played an NRL game since May 2023 after a serious shoulder injury during that year's Origin series and then ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in last February's preseason trial.
Surgery was delayed for months when the Queensland prop developed a blood clot in his leg that later transferred to his lung.
There was more trouble for the enforcer at training on the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday when he rolled his ankle, but insists he remains on track to play a part in the Redcliffe club's final trial game before his NRL return.
"It was tough, but it's actually going to help my career," he said of the long lay-off.
"(If you're constantly playing) you don't get the opportunity to reflect for a long time, as long as I did.
"It's put me in a much better frame of mind and physically I'll be better too, once the time is right."
Dolphins star Tom Gilbert says he's ready to fight his way back into State of Origin contention. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
Gilbert admitted it was tough to watch NSW roll through the injury-hit Queensland pack last year and a chance to return to that cauldron was driving him.
"It had its moments, you question a lot of things and things were really tough," he said.
"But when the time was right I starting seeing it for what it was ... a chance to come back a better player and person.
"You want to be out there ... it's something that motivates me to get back, be a better player and be in those (Origin) conversations."
Gilbert is a frontrunner to take over as Dolphins captain in the club's third NRL season, with an announcement expected imminently.
"It would be an honour," he said.
"Jesse was a great skipper but foremost a great person and did such a great job for this club.
"I'd welcome it with two hands if I had that opportunity. We have so many great leaders ... who can fill the void."
Winger Jamayne Isaako led the praise this week, saying Gilbert's status and maturity belied his tender age.
"It's why you play football; to be there for your mate and get the appraisal of them in the locker room," Gilbert said.
"If any of my mates are giving me a compliment it is a nice feeling.
"They're the blokes I want to go out and try and impress and I want them to know I have their back.
"It is humbling."
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