Shibasaki completes stunning rise to Maroons debut
- FOGS
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
New Queensland centre Gehamat Shibasaki will play a State of Origin decider after not having a contract at the end of last season.
The 27-year-old’s journey is one of the most remarkable in Origin history but the Maroons have faith that he will do himself and the state proud in Sydney.
After finishing up at Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup last year the rugby league journeyman rang Wynnum Manly for an opportunity.
He was then given a Brisbane Broncos train and trial deal with no guarantees, but he worked hard to secure a development list contract on just $85,000 for the season.
Since then Shibasaki has played every game for the Broncos, has scored 12 tries and now gets his chance for the Maroons.
His response to his selection was full of emotion and gratitude.
The call he got from coach Billy Slater on the eve of the Maroons side being picked is the stuff dreams are made of.
“It was late. I was ready for bed and I didn't have Billy's number saved so I answered it and it was an awesome conversation,” Shibasaki said.
The chat was about to get even better because Shibasaki thought he was being called to get a feel for the Origin environment as a member of the extended squad.
“I was happy to be part of the squad to be honest. I was just happy to be around the boys and be a part of this experience,” Shibasaki said.
“My family were over the moon. Everyone was so happy. They know how hard I've worked. There were a lot of tears, happy tears.”
Shibasaki is still on a development list contract but moves up to the top 30 with the Broncos in 2026.
His story is one that shows the benefit of never giving up, despite a pathway not being apparent for him when he finished up with the Blackhawks.
“The first day (of Broncos pre-season) I got sent from the field because I was unfit. I couldn't finish the session.
“That made the pre-season from November to Christmas even longer. I obviously trained through Christmas.
“I had a conversation with my manager and he just said to keep at it and you'll come back fit. That made me more confident in my own ability.
“I just kept working hard. I feel like that's one of my strengths. I just stuck to it and it's paid off.”
Slater often speaks of the Maroons team and how it can be an inspiration not just for the football they play but for the wider community in a larger sense.
“The rise of his game over the past six months has been exceptional. I told him you need two things to play for Queensland. The first one is you need to be capable, you need to have the habits in your game that are of the standard of this footy team.
“And you need to have the opportunity to be put in front of you. Those two things happened and Gehamat Shibasaki is going to play his first game for Queensland. It will be a dream come true for the young lad from Townsville.”
Slater and the Maroons selectors have not just given Shibasaki his chance to warm the heart. He is in the team because of their confidence that he can do the job.
“When you go back and look at his game thoroughly, he brings plenty to his footy team.”
