For the vast majority of his time in the NRL, Tom Flegler was viewed as the young, hot-headed enforcer hell-bent on causing destruction everywhere he went.
His name felt like it was almost permanently enclosed within match review findings throughout his first few years in the competition. Yet a more disciplined approach this season has resulted in him elevating his game to the point where he has now broken into both the Queensland and Australian setups.
Tom Flegler eyeing leadership role at the Dolphins in 2024 after Brisbane exit
Flegler reflected upon his journey to the pinnacle of the sport ahead of his Australian bow in the Pacific Championships last week, crediting former mentor Kevin Walters for curbing his temper.
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"This year Kevvie always said to me, ‘You need to be a blue head, not a red head’, so I had to be a lot calmer," Flegler said.
"I’ve almost played 100 games now and it took me a fair few seasons to mature as a front-rower in the game, but I’m not as aggressive anymore.
"I spent more time on the field this year, which is good, and I need to continue doing that."
The man who was once placed on report four times within one match has turned things around in the discipline stakes and is now desperate to achieve even greater improvement.
"We had a good team there at the Broncs but for where I wanted to end up in my career, or what I wanted to achieve, I felt it was necessary for me to move," Flegler said after being unveiled by the club.
"The Dolphins was the best fit for me. They’re a new team in the competition…it’s a good spot for me."
After spending five seasons in first grade with the Broncos, Flegler opted to jump ship to join their Queensland rivals the Dolphins from next season.
An opportunity to put his experience and learned lessons into practice proving too tough to turn down.
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Flegler and coach Wayne Bennett have crossed paths before with the prop being in the Brisbane system while the master coach was previously at the helm of the club.
Despite never playing under Bennett though, Flegler revealed he had played a major part in him wanting to move to the Dolphins.
"Wayne initially played a big part because I had him back in 2018 when I was at the Broncos," he said.
"I never played NRL under him as I played Q Cup, but I think his resume and who he is speaks for itself.
"Him being the coach - I didn’t have to think about that one too long. He’s arguably one of the best coaches in the game, so he was another big reason why I came to the club."
Flegler is currently entrenched within Kangaroos camp as they prepare to face the Kiwis in the inaugural Pacific Cup final on Saturday in Hamilton.
The Aussies made light work of their opponents on home soil last weekend where Flegler made his debut for his country.
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Yet while he hasn’t been named for the decider, the last game of the rugby league season in 2023 will cap a remarkable campaign for the prop who is keen to establish himself as a key part of the Dolphins' pack next year.
The Bromwich brothers, Felise Kaufusi and Mark Nicholls make up an experienced engine room but with the input of Flegler alongside fellow young firebrand Tom Gilbert, the Dolphins suddenly take on another dimension.
Despite the vast experience present at the club already, Flegler is still focused on improving standards and pushing his teammates onto bigger and better things as they attempt to make the finals for the first time.
"Rep footy is another level and I was fortunate enough to play Origin this year and for Australia," Flegler said.
"They’re the pinnacles of rugby league. Being in that environment and around players of that level has helped me out massively.
"Hopefully, I can bring a few things I learned in those camps here to the Dolphins.
"One of my goals next year is to come out here and try to be a leader. Hopefully, bring some skills and leadership to the club and hit the ground running come Round 1 ... Aim for the sky and see where we land."
