Gehamat Shibasaki’s NRL Revival: From Uncertainty to Opportunity with Brisbane Broncos
Gehamat Shibasaki’s remarkable journey from the fringes of the NRL back into the Brisbane Broncos’ squad has given him a fresh appreciation for life as a professional athlete.
For four years, the 26-year-old feared his top-level career was slipping away, having made only six first-grade appearances since 2021 during stints with the Knights, Cowboys, and Rabbitohs. Determined to continue his passion for youth support work, Shibasaki returned to Brisbane and played for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup.
That move not only reignited his career but also led to a 12-week train-and-trial opportunity with the Broncos, where he seized the chance to impress head coach Michael Maguire. Reports even suggested he was in contention for a starting centre spot over teammate Deine Mariner before an injury to Kotoni Staggs reshuffled the lineup.
Seizing His Second Chance
Eager to secure a full-time contract, Shibasaki showcased his abilities in round one against the Sydney Roosters, scoring a try while amassing 139 running metres and providing a crucial try assist. The performance has given him confidence as he looks to cement his place in the squad.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the path I took last year,” Shibasaki reflected. “Straight out of school, I went straight into the top squad, so last year was the first time I’d ever had a job outside of footy.
“Balancing training, work, and home life put things into perspective for me—it’s tough. Now that I’m back in the squad, it feels like I’m a kid again, just enjoying the game.”
Shibasaki joins a growing list of late-blooming players who have risen through the Queensland Cup ranks, following in the footsteps of Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller, Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker, and Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty.
The Next Rising Star?
This resurgence begs the question—who will be the next talent to emerge from the Queensland Cup? According to former Cowboys premiership-winner James Tamou, that player may already be in North Queensland.
Dudley Dotoi, a gifted outside back who shone at Kirwan State High School, was selected for the 2021 Australian Schoolboys team. After an unsuccessful stint with Wests Tigers, he returned to North Queensland and fought for his place in the Blackhawks lineup alongside Shibasaki.
While Dotoi faced challenges in meeting club standards last season, he persevered—scoring 11 tries and making 13 linebreaks in just 13 games, earning himself a preseason trial with South Sydney.
“I’ve been around this game a long time, and some of the things Dudley does, I’ve never seen before,” Tamou said.
“Rugby league can be brutal. I’ve seen incredibly talented players struggle to make the transition to the next level. But Dudley is special. He’s got that powerful running game, great hands, and deceptive speed.
“Last year, he faced some personal challenges, which impacted his consistency, but he’s completely turned things around. I think his hard work is going to show, and it’ll translate onto the field.”
With Shibasaki proving that persistence pays off, and Dotoi on the cusp of breaking through, the Queensland Cup continues to be a proving ground for talent ready to take the next step in their careers.
