Gehamat Shibasaki has made a decision—and it’s official.
One of 2025’s most captivating NRL comeback stories has taken a dramatic new turn, with the Queensland Origin centre putting pen to paper on a new contract that’s already sent ripples across the rugby league landscape.
After weeks of speculation surrounding his future and whispers that he could be squeezed out due to mounting salary cap pressure, Shibasaki has quietly signed a deal that will secure his place in the NRL next season—and possibly well beyond. While the club behind the move has not yet been confirmed publicly, insiders say it’s a massive development that could reshape one team’s roster strategy and finals aspirations.
Speaking to AAP, Shibasaki remained humble amid the buzz:
> “I don’t want to get ahead of myself. It’s been a big year, but I know I’ve still got a lot to prove.”
And what a year it’s been.
The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the standout stories of the 2025 season. After entering the year on a development deal worth just $85,000, he’s produced 12 tries in 16 games and earned a debut for Queensland in the State of Origin series—an extraordinary rise for a player many had written off.
But as his value soared, so did the complications behind the scenes.
With the club he’s been representing all year reportedly tight on salary cap space due to a string of big-name re-signings, fears grew that Shibasaki would become the next casualty—joining names like Selwyn Cobbo and Tyson Smoothy, who were both recently released due to financial constraints.
Multiple rival clubs were believed to be circling, with formal offers expected to pour in on November 1 when players off-contract at season’s end can negotiate freely.
Yet it seems Shibasaki and his team didn’t wait for the calendar to turn.
> “Gehamat loves where he is. He’s had a fantastic year, and he’s grateful,” his manager Wade Rushton told Wide World of Sports before the deal was finalized. “But we were preparing for a lot of interest later this year—there’s a real shortage of experienced, quality centres in the game right now.”
That interest may have come too late.
The new deal reportedly includes a significant pay bump, with Shibasaki set to move into a top-30 roster spot and earn far more than the bargain-basement salary he commanded this year. While still modest compared to other Origin-level stars, the contract is a sign of belief from club decision-makers—and a reward for months of consistent, high-level performance.
What makes this twist even more intriguing is the timing.
With the finals fast approaching, securing Shibasaki is not just a move for the future—it’s a vote of confidence heading into the business end of the season. His size, athleticism, and defensive strength have made him a cornerstone in the backline, and locking him in could prove crucial in the weeks ahead.
One source close to the situation described the signing as “a quiet masterstroke,” adding:
> “You don’t often get a redemption story like this in rugby league… and to keep him when others were circling? That’s huge.”
There is no official word yet from the club involved, and an announcement is expected to be made in the coming days. But the paperwork is understood to be done—and Shibasaki, against all odds, will not be lost to the open market.
What This Means Moving Forward
The domino effect of this move could be felt across the NRL.
With Shibasaki now secured, at least one club may need to reshuffle its remaining cap space or revisit contract offers to other fringe players. Other teams who had quietly earmarked him as a top target may now be forced to pivot—especially with the centre market so thin and competition heating up ahead of 2026.
As for Shibasaki himself, the message is simple: he’s focused, grounded, and more determined than ever.
> “I’m just grateful to be out there doing what I love. I’ve had a few setbacks in my career, but I never gave up.”
Now he’s got something solid to show for it—and the full support of a club that’s ready to bet on his continued rise.
A full reveal of the team behind the signing is expected soon.
But until then, one thing’s clear: Gehamat Shibasaki is no longer the forgotten man of rugby league—he’s one of its most inspiring stories.
