Gehamat Shibasaki has broken his silence—and the writing may now be on the wall.
The 25-year-old outside back, who returned to the Brisbane Broncos earlier this season in what many hoped would be a redemptive second stint, is now facing an uncertain future at Red Hill. In a media appearance that’s sparked widespread attention, Shibasaki delivered a powerful and deeply personal message about the struggles he’s faced since coming back into the Broncos system.
“I felt a lot of negativity in here—that’s not how I function,” Shibasaki said when asked about whispers surrounding his standing in the team.
The short but revealing comment has left fans and insiders speculating that Shibasaki could be on his way out of the club—possibly before season’s end.
A Comeback That Never Felt Right
Shibasaki’s return to the Broncos earlier this year was something of a surprise. After stints at the Newcastle Knights and North Queensland Cowboys, the former schoolboy star came back to the club where his NRL journey began. But it quickly became clear that this was not the fairytale return some had imagined.
Signed initially on a train-and-trial deal, Shibasaki had to claw his way into the Broncos’ depth chart. And while he managed to earn limited game-time during the Origin period, he’s largely been on the fringe of the squad.
Now, as pressure mounts at the Broncos following a string of inconsistent performances and locker room tension, Shibasaki’s brutally honest comments appear to confirm long-standing speculation: that his return has been far from smooth—and that he may already be preparing for the exit door.
“That’s Not How I Function”
The words were heavy with meaning. Shibasaki didn’t name teammates, coaches, or staff, but his tone left no room for doubt—something within the Broncos’ system isn’t working for him.
“To be honest, I keep to myself a lot more now,” he continued. “I just focus on my role and try not to get caught up in the noise. But it’s tough. I’m not the type of player that thrives in a negative environment.”
That line—“negative environment”—hit a nerve. For a club like Brisbane, with its long-standing reputation and intense scrutiny from media and fans, it’s a damning admission. And it reinforces what many have privately wondered: whether some players are struggling not just with form, but with the culture itself.
Broncos’ Season Under Scrutiny
This development comes at a pivotal moment for Brisbane. After finishing as grand finalists in 2023, the club entered the 2024 season with high expectations—but has failed to consistently deliver.
Key injuries, rotation headaches, and a few damaging off-field headlines have left the Broncos scrambling for rhythm. While the team still sits within striking distance of the top eight, momentum has been hard to build.
And now, amid all the challenges, the Shibasaki situation casts an even deeper shadow.
While coach Kevin Walters has not commented directly on Shibasaki’s remarks, insiders suggest the club is “not surprised” by his frustration. According to one club official, “He’s been a professional about everything, but yeah, there’s been tension. He hasn’t felt settled here.”
Interest Already Building From Rivals
Shibasaki’s future at the Broncos looks increasingly unlikely, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be without a home. League sources confirm that at least two NRL clubs and one Super League outfit have quietly expressed interest in picking him up should he become available.
“He’s still only 25, and you’re talking about a guy with genuine power, size, and versatility,” said one rival club recruiter. “Put him in the right environment and he could thrive.”
That’s precisely the type of fresh start Shibasaki may be seeking—one that offers support, structure, and belief.
While nothing has been signed, multiple outlets suggest Shibasaki’s management has already been in touch with suitors about a mid-season or offseason shift.
A Deeper Problem?
Shibasaki’s situation could also be a symptom of a bigger issue within the Broncos. Over the past few years, numerous players—especially younger or fringe talent—have voiced concerns about inconsistent messaging, changing standards, and a sometimes cutthroat atmosphere behind closed doors.
When a player like Shibasaki, who’s worked his way back into the system after falling out of first-grade favor, feels like he’s swimming against a tide of negativity, it raises critical questions about what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Is it simply the pressure of being in a top club with lofty expectations? Or is something structurally wrong in the Broncos’ approach to player support?
Where to From Here?
For now, Shibasaki remains contracted, but his future in the maroon and gold seems all but sealed. Whether a mid-season exit is negotiated or he simply departs at the end of 2024, there’s a growing feeling that he’s emotionally checked out—and who could blame him?
“I’ve worked hard to be here again,” he said, with visible emotion. “But if I’m not growing as a player or person, then I’ve got to make some decisions.”
It was perhaps the clearest sign yet that he’s ready to walk away from the club that first believed in him—but which may no longer be the right fit.
Final Word
Gehamat Shibasaki’s journey in rugby league has been filled with ups and downs, and this latest chapter at the Broncos may be drawing to a close. His honesty, though confronting, sheds much-needed light on what players face behind the scenes.
If this is the end of the road at Red Hill for Shibasaki, he’ll leave with lessons learned—and possibly with a chip on his shoulder ready to be unleashed elsewhere.
For now, all signs point toward a quiet but inevitable exit. And for the Broncos, the question looms: how many more stories like Shibasaki’s will unfold before something changes?
