Reborn Brisbane Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki has attracted interest from NRL rivals following his State of Origin rise

Maroons star Gehamat Shibasaki has been the NRL’s success story of 2025 and his stunning rise at the Brisbane Broncos has caught the eye of cashed-up rival clubs.

The cash-strapped Broncos are facing a big money battle to retain Maroons sensation Gehamat Shibasaki following the NRL cult hero’s rapid rise.

Shibasaki has attracted interest from rival clubs following his stunning career resurrection at Red Hill.

Shibasaki was staring at the rugby league scrap heap last year playing reserve grade in Townsville before deciding to have one last crack at the NRL under new Brisbane coach Michael Maguire.

The strapping centre has not only become a regular in Brisbane’s starting side – he made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in the series decider a fortnight ago.

The Broncos are facing a battle to retain breakout star Gehamat Shibasaki. Picture: NRL Photos

Shibasaki, 27, joined Brisbane on a $1000-a-week train-and-trial deal before being upgraded to a full-time contract worth about $140,000 until the end of next year.

But he isn’t being paid remotely close to the NRL’s top centres like NSW Origin rivals and $1 million men Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton.

Shibasaki will become a free agent for 2027 on November 1 this year and is set to attract bumper offers from rival clubs.

He must weigh up his happiness in Brisbane and the Broncos’ premiership credentials with the potential of more money elsewhere.

Shibasaki said he was focused on Brisbane’s title pursuit and would address his future when the time comes.

“I’m just looking to the rest of this year,” he said.

“I am here for this year and next year. I have already got that sorted. My manager will sort that stuff out.

“I’ve got my sights on the rest of this year, coming back strong for pre-season and going again.

“When it comes to (November 1) I will think about that but what I have been doing is narrowing my focus to now and staying present. That has been a big part of my success so far.

“When I signed the development deal, next year was on the cards. I didn’t have to worry about anything else, just focus on my footy.”

Shibasaki signed a contract worth around $140k at the end of 2025, but has since gone on to become a Maroons representative. Picture: NRL Photos

A late-bloomer of sorts after only managing 30 games across the first seven years of his NRL career, Shibasaki is now trying to play catch up.

He will have limited time to cash in on his career resurrection and said money could be a factor when he sits down to assess his future.

“I will focus on that when the time comes,” he said.

“That is another thing I have got to sit down with my family and talk about. You look at my age now and I am coming to the older side of things.

“The Broncos mean a lot to me. I have backed them since I was a little kid. I still kick myself now that I get to be part of this great club.”

Shibasaki will make his 17th appearance of the season for the Broncos in Friday night’s clash with Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos will welcome back Payne Haas in Round 21. Picture: NRL Imagery

The Broncos will be boosted by the return of NSW star Payne Haas for the Eels clash along with Corey Jensen and Jesse Arthars as they chase a sixth straight win.

Broncos lock Pat Carrigan played a role in Shibasaki’s second coming at Red Hill and hopes his schoolboys friend remains in Brisbane.

“I’d love to (see him stay). This club’s a massive part of both of us,” he said.

“It’s where we both (came after) school as young kids, started together, and where he’s resurrected his career and transcended into the player he is today.

“These days, with supporting your family in rugby league and all those sorts of things that come into it, he’s going to have to make up his mind.

“One thing I know for sure is he does love this club. Anytime he pulls on this jersey, you’ll see the best of him, so I’m just excited for that.

“He came to visit us in Townsville when we took on the Cowboys last year … I just told him to give footy another crack.

“It’s pretty special to see but his dedication this pre-season has been second to none. There were some days there early on where he was a few laps behind the boys and he well and truly could have quit but he’s worked his backside off.”