‘He’s doing a lot more’: Major strides taken by wounded Maroons enforcer

Thomas Flegler has been spotted at Dolphins HQ steadily building his training load, as the Queensland prop seeks to announce his comeback in time for a finals charge.

Flegler has not been sighted since leaving the field in his side’s round five defeat of Wests Tigers with a shoulder injury, one that fortunately did not need surgery.

However, the former Maroons bookend suffered some nerve damage that has left him on an indefinite timeline for a return, with coach Wayne Bennett even expressing fears he may not line up again in 2024.

The setback has cost Flegler the chance to add to his three State of Origin caps, as the Maroons began their camp on Tuesday in preparation for the June 5 series opener.

But Dolphins lock Ray Stone confirmed the 24-year-old had begun taking on greater demands throughout the week, in a sign the enforcer could be fit enough to help inspire a maiden finals campaign.

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“I think it’s slowly getting better, but in terms of time frames and whatnot it’d be awesome to have him back, but the biggest thing for him is just getting that shoulder right, so when he does come back, he can stay fit,” said Stone, who recently inked a new two-year contract with the Dolphins.

“He seems pretty positive … he seems in good spirits every time I’ve spoken to him away from footy.

“He’s obviously frustrated he can’t be out there, but in terms of his process and what he’s got to do, his head’s on. He’s getting some strength back so he’s doing a lot more and training now, which is good to see.