Plath takes it to max in lock battle with Gilbert

Max Plath was Dolphins player of the year in 2024 but he is getting ready to fight for the lock forward position he made his own.

Plath, also the players' player last season, has Queensland forward Tom Gilbert returning from an ACL rupture and breathing down his neck to wear the No.13.

He also is on a mission to impress new coach Kristian Woolf and not to be a one-season wonder. After winning the club's pre-season time trials for consecutive years there is no sign the 23-year-old is basking in last winter's glory.

"I had a chat with Woolfy after the season finished and you hear a lot about players having that second year syndrome where they take it a bit easier and the foot off the pedal," Plath said.

"I am making a conscious effort not to do that. I am working on my fitness and all the hard stuff in the game and striving to get better.

"(Fitness) is the backbone of my game. I am not the fastest or the most skilful or strongest player so I need to have some sort of edge. I need to make sure I am the best possible in that area."

Plath is overly modest on that score. He has played in the halves and hooker and has plenty of skill. The reality is that Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa will be in the halves and Jeremy Marshall-King at hooker.

That leaves Gilbert and Plath in a virtual shootout.

"We will see how we go. I am sure we will compete as hard as we can for it .I think it is healthy for both of us to keep pushing each other," Plath said.

"Tommy Gilbert's best position is probably lock so I am happy to play wherever is best for the team. I am lucky that I can play in a couple of positions. I am happy to play anywhere so long as we have a stronger team.

"If I need to do some reps in the back-row I don't mind. Whatever works."

Plath is more than a utility but he is also happy to be utilised anywhere. It is a strength that will not let him down. Most sides need a second hooker in the 17 and he is ready for that challenge too.

"I think that is my next step, to get a bit more skilful at hooker. I grew up playing in the halves so playing as a lock in the ball playing area comes a bit easier to me," he said.

"I have done a lot of reps there but now it is about getting more reps at hooker and developing my game to the next level and being a real quality hooker. Hopefully then I can open myself up to more positions and being in the 17 all the time."