The Editor: No matter what happens, you’ve already made us proud, Gem

Before he got his Broncos lifeline, Gehamat Shibasaki was a youth worker helping disabled, disadvantaged and delinquent kids. He’s exactly the type of role model young players need, writes The Editor.

Gehamat Shibasaki has already made Queensland proud. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Gehamat Shibasaki is exactly the type of role model Queensland’s junior rugby league players need.

His story is one of resilience.

Of hard work and sacrifice. And, of course, that never-say-die Queensland spirit.

When he takes to the field in his Origin debut, Shibasaki will be the lowest-paid player in either side.

His development contract with the Broncos is worth just $85,000 – a far cry from the $1m-plus salaries of some of his better-known teammates.

It is a deal the 26-year-old nearly didn’t accept and not because of the meagre paycheck. Before he got his Broncos lifeline – his last roll of the dice to crack into the NRL – he was a youth worker in Townsville helping disabled, disadvantaged and delinquent kids.

He’d drive them to school, give them food or a place to sleep or try to get them back on track if they’d spent time in detention.

Ahead of the biggest game of his career on Wednesday night, Shibasaki says he hopes he can inspire the kids he worked with, and others, through his actions on the Origin stage.

Gem, you already have.