Dolphin skipper Tom Gilbert's State of Origin recall hopes clouded by nasty pectoral injury

Tom Gilbert's hopes of being recalled into Billy Slater's Maroons squad are in doubt after the Dolphins skipper was forced from the field with a pectoral injury.

Gilbert has featured twice in the Origin arena but has not been able to play due to ongoing injury concerns with his shoulder and knee.

But his hopes of making the team for game one have again been shattered as the forward was forced by trainers to exit the field with 10 minutes to go in the first half.

READ MORE: Adam Selwood dies three months after twin brother's tragedy

READ MORE: Origin star Crichton learns fate after high shot on Rooster

READ MORE: Aussie Paris medallist Denny secures dominant victory

The 24-year-old was attempting to stop a storming Marata Niukore from reaching the in-goal when his left arm was caught in an awkward position.

Gilbert immediately clutched at his left shoulder and pectoral as Niukore brushed off chasing defenders to score the first points of the match for the Warriors.

"He slipped over, Gilbert," Kevin Walters said on Fox League.

"It made it very easy for Niukore to just roll through."

While Luke Metcalf prepared to take the conversion - which he missed - trainers were seen calling for an interchange replacement for Gilbert, who was pleading to stay on.

"He looks like he is trying to stay on the field but the physio is saying he needs to come off," said Walters.

"He just reached to far and couldn't get his body in tight enough. He looks bitterly disappointed as you would be."

Initial reports from team medics indicated it could be a pectoral injury.

Gilbert will be required to undergo scans in the coming days to determine the severity.

The Warriors went on to extend their lead to 10 points into the half time break courtesy of a sensational partnership effort between Metcalf and try-scorer Kurt Capewell.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow looked to put the Dolphins on the board in the 47th minute to set the tone for the second half but his efforts were denied by the Bunker.

Although, the star fullback managed to successfully plant the ball down in goal in the 74th minute as he stepped Metcalf and charged over Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to score.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Jacob Laban was the final try-scorer for the Warriors, who were reduced to 12 men with three minutes remaining.

James Fisher-Harris was given marching orders for a head high shot on Harrison Graham, with referee Peter Gough deeming the shots as high, moderate force.

On the next play after he left the field, Herbie Farnworth darted over in the corner to narrow the margin to four points the difference.

Still, one minute and thirty seconds was not enough for the Dolphins to complete a sensational comeback effort as the Warriors claimed victory 16-12.