Herbert Michael Gilbert (4 May 1917 – 31 October 1983) was a three-time premiership winning and state representative Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s.

A hooker who played with the St. George and Balmain clubs, he won premierships and made state representative appearances, both before and after active service in World War II.

In 1940 he began representative playing duties for New South Wales appearing in games III and IV in Brisbane of that year's series against Queensland.

James, like Herb was in the 54th Anti-Aircraft Regiment and was stationed in the Northern Territory[3] After discharge Gilbert returned to football, moving to the Balmain club for the 1946 season.

Tensions of the encounter overflowed after full-time and the match concluded on an ugly note when Saints forward, Jim Hale went toe-to-toe with Gilbert.