Broncos Star Shibasaki Shines, Faces Uncertain Future

In a remarkable turnaround, Broncos center Gehamat Shibasaki has gone from a fringe first-grader to a Queensland Origin player in just a matter of months. During the 2025 NRL season, Shibasaki has racked up a career-best 12 tries in 16 appearances for the Broncos, cementing his status as one of the competition's most in-form outside backs.

Shibasaki's blistering form has not gone unnoticed, with Maroons coach Billy Slater rewarding the 23-year-old with a spot in the Origin decider. However, the meteoric rise of the once-journeyman player could come at a significant cost for the Broncos, who may struggle to retain Shibasaki's services due to their tight salary cap situation.

With big-money players like Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan already on their books, and a star-studded spine that includes Ezra Mam, Ben Hunt, Adam Reynolds, and Reece Walsh, the Broncos have little room to maneuver when it comes to contract negotiations. This has already forced the club to make difficult decisions, such as losing representative back Selwyn Cobbo to the Dolphins for 2026.

As Shibasaki prepares to enter the open market on November 1, it seems increasingly unlikely that the Broncos will be able to match the offers from rival clubs vying for the services of the in-demand center. This could be a significant blow for the Broncos, who have relied heavily on budget signings and developing depth players to remain competitive in recent seasons.