Gehamat Shibasaki might be one of the most improved players in the NRL this year and his selection for the Queensland Maroons has shocked many. But, those that have been watching the Broncos closely in 2025 can attest that his form is as good as any centre in the competition this season.

Having started his rugby league career with the Broncos in 2018, he struggled to find a consistent spot in the teams starting line up. Resultantly he moved down to Newcastle where he had more success, but still couldn’t lock down a long term contract. Shibasaki then made the brace decision to cross codes after being given an opportunity to play rugby union in Japan. Upon returning to the NRL in 2023 he became a strong squad member at the Cowboys and Rabbitohs but again found it hard to get into the starting line up.

However, upon returning to the Broncos in 2025 Shibasaki clearly impressed new coach Michael Maguire and has earned his spot in the backline through hard work and discipline. He has returned Madge’s faith in him with some enormous performances consistently throughout the season. Currently Shibasaki is second on the try scorer tally, only topped by his now Queensland teammate, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The one statistic that he does lead the NRL in is support runs, which again highlights the work rate which both his Broncos and Queensland head coach seem to value so highly.

Billy Slater in particular has selected Shibasaki to come in and make his debut for Queensland ahead of some more experienced options but clearly has the full backing of the head coach. One of the most obvious options Billy Slater could have gone for was to keep Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the outside backs and bring Reece Walsh in at fullback. Alternatively he could have turned to the experienced Dane Gagai or up and coming talents like Xavier Savage, Jaxon Purdue or Jack Howarth.

But Slater has opted to go for Shibasaki and whilst many fans where caught by surprise at the announcement, there is also plenty of belief that he will come out and impress in game three. Making your debut with the series on the line away from home is no mean feat, but with the support of his state behind him Shibasaki might be in line for one of the all time great state of origin debut performances.