Gehamat Shibasaki is emerging as one of the standout stories of the NRL in 2025, but the future may be uncertain for him and the Brisbane Broncos. The 27-year-old centre, who has achieved remarkable success this season, having earned both a contract with the Broncos and a Queensland State of Origin jersey, faces the prospect of becoming a free agent on November 1, with no formal offer from the Broncos yet on the table.
While the Broncos are keen to retain Shibasaki, they are reportedly grappling with salary cap constraints following the signing of several key players to lengthy deals. His manager, Wade Rushton, has noted a surge of interest from other clubs, reflecting a scarcity of quality centres in the NRL. Rushton stated that although Shibasaki has a strong affection for the Broncos and is contracted for the upcoming season, the lack of a new offer may attract formal bids from rival teams once Shibasaki becomes a free agent.
Shibasaki’s impressive performance throughout the year has made him a compelling prospect, and he is committed to continuing his development as a player. Meanwhile, the Broncos are already facing challenges, having released players Tyson Smoothy and Selwyn Cobbo due to salary cap issues, and several other squad members like Kobe Hetherington, Jack Gosiewski, and Corey Jensen are also expected to join the open market in November.
As the situation unfolds, fans and the club alike will be watching closely to see if the Broncos can secure Shibasaki’s future while navigating the complexities of their financial constraints. His journey from an underdog to a pivotal player for the team exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the sport, leaving room for both optimism and concern.