The Mole: Dolphins 'cautiously optimistic' luckless star's career has been saved by radical surgery

Test and Queensland Origin prop Tom Flegler has resumed training and Dolphins officials are "cautiously optimistic" that his career has been saved by a radical nerve transfer operation.

There were fears that the 25-year-old colossus would never play again just four games into a massive deal with the club after transferring from Brisbane last season.

But Flegler underwent the delicate surgery a couple of months ago and resumed training with the club this week in preparation for a return to arms in 2025.

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The barnstorming prop is unlikely to be ready to roll for the kick off in March - but the club is hoping for a comeback sometime mid-season.

"It's really a guessing game at this point because of the unusual nature of the injury and the surgery," a Dolphins spokesperson told Wide World of Sports.

"But the good news is that the surgery went well and Tom is training again.

"There are certain things he can't do at this stage and it's just a case of waiting and seeing.

"He is in good spirits and working towards his return."

Another key man for the Dolphins, Tom Gilbert, looks certain to be fit for the season start after missing the entire 2024 season with an ACL injury he suffered in the trials in February.

Gilbert is running strongly and has pleased the medical staff with his progress.

With the Dolphins signing former Cowboy Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and former New South Wales Blues and Knights enforcer Daniel Saifiti, they could have one of the best packs in the NRL if the injured pair make successful returns.

They missed the finals by just one game without Flegler and Gilbert - two world-class forwards - in a mighty effort in 2024.