Gehamat Shibasaki reveals backstory of his famous goatee, Panga Jr’s homecoming delayed

Tevita Pangai was all set to return to Australia - but not the NRL - before a change in plans saw the former Bronco sign a new deal at a new club.

Broncos cult hero Gehamat Shibasaki has revealed the story behind the NRL’s most famous facial hair.

Shibasaki’s ‘goatee’ has become a hit with fans on the back of his meteoric rise to the State of Origin arena this year.

Shibasaki came from the clouds to make his Origin debut for Queensland in last week’s epic decider win against the Blues in Sydney.

And he has gained a legion of fans along the way thanks to his inspiring story.

Gehamat Shibasaki (C) and his goatee have reached cult hero status. Picture: Getty Images

Shibasaki, 27, was a social worker in Townsville a year ago before deciding to have one last crack at the NRL.

Now he is an Origin series winner with a unique look.

Broncos teammate Ben Hunt has grown a similar beard as a tribute to Shibasaki while Maroons fans were spotted on Caxton Street for the decider with the same look.

Shibasaki has rocked the goatie since his NRL debut for Brisbane in 2018 and said it was a look he always wanted.

“I wasn’t allowed to grow it in school, so when I finished school I was like ‘I wanted to grow the goatee,” he said.

“I just thought it was something different, you know what I mean?

“All the boys back at home in Brisbane, all the Broncos boys got it done for me too. I want them to have one round with the goatee and play with it.

Gehamat Shibasaki’s goatee game when he was with the Broncos in 2018 was not quite as strong as it is now. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

“People are drawing them on. It’s funny.”

Shibasaki said he was cherishing every moment of his career resurrection following some challenging years.

“It’s just off the back of my pre-season and all that as well. I had the right people around me,” he said.

“I can’t get to where I am without everyone backing me.”

TEVITA PANGAI PIVOTS AFTER PLANS FOR AUSSIE RETURN FALL THROUGH

Former NSW Origin enforcer Tevita Pangai Jr will quit Catalans Dragons at season’s end after signing with the Sam Burgess-coached Warrington.

Pangai Jr was on the verge of a return to Australia and a defection to rugby union, only for talks with the ACT Brumbies to collapse at the eleventh hour.

That opened the door for the Wolves, with Burgess striking a one-year for the former Broncos and Dolphins forward to link with Warrington in 2026.

Speaking exclusively to this masthead, Pangai Jr confirmed the move and said the appeal of being mentored by Burgess was too hard to resist.

Tevita Pangai Jr will leave the Catalans and join Warrington.

“I’m excited to work with Sam Burgess,” Pangai Jr said.

“He’s a big reason why I’m going there.

“Ben Te’o (former Dolphins assistant coach) had big wraps on Sam during my time with him at the Broncos and Dolphins.

“He is very inspiring as a player and coach.”

The 29-year-old was close to a code switch. He was in talks with the Brumbies with a view to possibly turning out for Australia at the 2027 rugby World Cup, but the deal ultimately collapsed.

“Rugby union has always been something I’ve wanted to try,” he said.

“It would have been great to be in that environment and system to the learn the No. 6 or 8 position to excel but things didn’t eventuate.

“This opportunity came up and it happened very quickly to be honest.

“I’ve enjoyed my life in France but I’m looking forward to having success with Sam at Warrington.”

Originally published as Gehamat Shibasaki reveals backstory of his famous goatee, Panga Jr’s homecoming delayed