Wayne Bennett sees Cameron Munster as a 50-50 chance of joining the Dolphins after the NRL's newest club confirmed their latest recruit.
The Dophins added Tom Gilbert to their roster on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old returning home from North Queensland after first starring as a teenager at Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.
The Cowboys edge or middle forward, who was the Q Cup's rookie and lock of the year in 2019, joins experienced forwards Felise Kaufusi, Ray Stone, Jesse and Kenny Bromwich at the new club next season.
But there is no secret around the fact the Dolphins are still without a main marquee man.
Bennett insisted on Tuesday night things remained on track, saying there was no need for the panic button Cameron Smith declared was close to being pushed last week.
It comes after Kalyn Ponga joined Reed Mahoney, Brandon Smith, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes in signing elsewhere.
"I was never going to get all the players I wanted, not all of them. And we lost some of them," Bennett told Nine.
"But others we have got. I'm confident we will get there in the end. It's a process and I am happy to stay with the process."
Munster would be crucial to that process.
He remains contracted to the Storm for 2023 and Melbourne have made clear he will not be released early.
NRL contracting rules state he can therefore not be offered anything for 2024 until November 1, and nor can he be lured to try and be released early.
But Bennett is also making no secret of the fact they would be happy to have Munster north as early as possible.
"We are keen to have Cameron at Redcliffe whether it is 2023 or 2024. We are working with his management," Bennett said.
"I'm not overly confident but I am not under confident either.
"There is a fair bit to be done yet, but we feel like we are headed in the right direction with our end of the bargain and hopefully Cameron will want to come."
Gilbert's signing was accomplished after he was released from the final year of his Cowboys deal on compassionate grounds.
"This is the hardest decision I've had to make in my life, which is why it has taken me this long," Gilbert said in a statement.
"I've been sitting on this for about four months, but it's time for me to go home and be with my family - they need me.
"It means I'm leaving a club that I love, but supporting my family will always come first."
