'It's perfect': Dolphins co-captain move frees Gilbert

Gilbert was sole captain last year but only played 10 games before a pectoral tear and shoulder injury ended his season. Katoa stepped up to lead in his absence and impressed. 

Gilbert said the 22-year-old's elevation this year would complement his own strengths.

"It's perfect. It's a great decision," Gilbert said.

"I got told when I was younger that less is more sometimes and for me in the leadership position it probably means I will do a little less. 

"It also means I can do a bit more of what I am naturally good at and that is to set standards, whether that be at training or off the field.

"Izzy has a great influence during the week on our game plan and the way we approach a game on the field for that 80 minutes. As a leader, it makes sense for him to be in charge of all that. 

"It's less but it's more because we get to put more energy into stuff we are naturally good at"

Gilbert, 25, has only played 21 matches in the past three seasons, so sharing the captaincy load makes sense.

"Obviously I have had a tough couple of years with injury so my focus is about getting back to my best footy, but I still want to lead the club and am really passionate about being captain," he said.

"This (co-captaincy decision) probably helps me get back to my best footy because I can hone in on stuff that comes to me naturally."

AAP was told Katoa would train with the team on Tuesday. Gilbert said his co-skipper was nursing "a load injury as much as anything"

Utility Kurt Donoghoe (hamstring) also trained on his own but is confident he will be right next week.

A gastro illness has gone through the squad which is why prop Thomas Flegler and outside back Selwyn Cobbo also trained away from the team.

Gilbert said utility Max Plath would not play in round one as he nears a return from an ACL tear. 

"He's tracking really well and has passed his last couple of hurdles," Gilbert said.

"The fact he was able to train with the team the full session is pretty remarkable but he is still a couple of weeks (away)."