Gehamat Shibasaki’s Future with the Broncos in Question
Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki is considering his future with the club, as he currently finds himself as a free agent. The 28-year-old centre has been open about his thoughts on leaving the team, revealing earlier in the week that he is “considering” a move away from the Broncos.
This comes after reports suggested that the club and Shibasaki were locked in a $300,000 standoff due to salary cap constraints. With players like Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Patrick Carrigan, and Kotoni Staggs taking up a significant portion of the salary cap, Shibasaki believes he is worth a substantial pay rise of around $600,000 per season for a new deal beyond 2027.
Shibasaki has already secured a top-30 contract in 2025, earning more than the NRL minimum, which amounts to approximately $160,000. However, this season has seen a drop in his performance, with him averaging only 96 run metres per game and scoring just three tries in 2026. His tackle efficiency has also dropped, with an 82.58% rate over ten appearances, compared to last season’s figures.
Despite the current challenges, Shibasaki had a standout 2025 season, where he played a pivotal role in the Broncos’ premiership win. He also contributed to the Maroons’ Origin series victory and was selected to play in the Ashes series for Australia. During the 2025 season, he recorded 18 tries, 24 line breaks, and six try assists, while averaging 155 run metres per game.
Pete Badel, reporting on NRL 360, mentioned that Shibasaki’s preference is to remain with the Broncos. However, the club is not willing to exceed a $300,000 annual offer at this time. Badel noted that Shibasaki is seeking a significant increase in salary, and there are four other clubs showing interest in his services.
“I’m told Melbourne showed a bit of interest a couple of months ago and they’re watching his circumstances closely,” Badel said. “The Broncos have made an offer, but it’s not quite palatable to Shibasaki at the moment. Unless they up the ante, Shibasaki may be on the way out.”
He added, “His preference is to stay, but money may be the ultimate determinant. I wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves the Broncos at the end of the season.”
In addition to Melbourne, expansion teams such as the PNG Chiefs and the Perth Bears are also interested in Shibasaki’s services. This potential movement could see the Broncos losing one of their key players, especially given the financial pressures they face.
As the season progresses, the decision on Shibasaki’s future will likely depend on how the Broncos handle the salary cap situation and whether they can meet his expectations. For now, the centre remains a valuable asset, and his choices will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
