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Maguire praises Shibasaki but remains coy as rumours around future swirl
Sam Kosack • July 22nd, 2025 9:42 pm
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has remained coy around the future of centre Gehamat Shibasaki after reports emerged the Origin winner may be forced out of the club due to salary cap constraints.
Shibasaki, 27, has been a revelation for the Broncos in 2025, progressing from a train-and-trial deal to a shock debut for Queensland in Game III, in turn becoming a mainstay in their starting team.
The Broncos are keen to keep Shibasaki, however, are facing a salary cap squeeze with Payne Haas, Adam Reynolds, and Ben Hunt able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, and Ezra Mam, Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Pat Carrigan locked in on long-term deals.
Shibasaki is contracted for next season but is expected to field offers from multiple clubs come November 1.
Speaking on SEN 1170 Sportsday, Maguire was focussed on the present but conceded Shibasaki’s contract price would need to increase.
“He's locked away for next year, but those things evolve as you keep moving forward,” Maguire said.
“That's what every player strives to do, is obviously perform, and earn a little bit extra as you go.
“We'll adjust where we can but that’s where the smarts of the front office look after that.
“The big one for Gehamat is just to be able to keep plugging out what he does, and I always say that that sort of stuff will sort itself out by playing good footy, and it always does.”
Shibasaki has made 16 appearances for the Broncos so far this season after only 30 games over his first five seasons.
After an initial stint with the Broncos, followed by seasons at the Knights, Cowboys, and Rabbitohs, Shibasaki returned to Brisbane and is one of the biggest success stories of the season.
Maguire credited Shibasaki’s hard work as the reason behind his return to first grade and stunning revival at first grade.
“I think as a club… we've just been over the moon for him,” Maguire commented.
“He was probably trying to find himself again. He came down from Townsville, left his family up there and… his first session, probably wasn't his proudest one, because he fell out the back door because it was just a simple fitness session.
“To his credit, he put his head down and I do remember just going on a walk with him. We did a bit of a run, and he was just talking about the sacrifices that he's going through at that moment in time about leaving his family there and just wanted to give it one last crack… I think it's a real credit to him.
“Sure enough, all of a sudden, he's playing State of Origin… since he's played in that game, he's going to get better and better because of the understanding of the influences that he understands from playing at that arena.
“I do really love the players playing at that level because you bring back better traits than what you had because you're playing with some of the best in the game.”
The Broncos will take on the Eels on Friday at Suncorp Stadium.
