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Broncos legend Sam Thaiday has revealed his conversation with a “deflated” Gehamat Shibasaki prior to the centre’s unlikely return last week.
Following an incredible rise from reserve grade to State of Origin and Kangaroos duties last season, Shibasaki was axed after the first two games of the 2026 season by coach Michael Maguire.
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The 28-year-old played Queensland Cup in round three as his NRL teammates pulled off an unlikely win on the road against the Melbourne Storm, with his replacement Grant Anderson performing well on the wing and Deine Mariner starring at centre.
The writing was clearly on the wall for Shibasaki, who had rapidly fallen out of favour and was lacking self-belief, according to Thaiday.
Gehamat Shibasaki speaks to Sam Thaiday. Getty
“I got a chance to talk to Gehamat after the Melbourne game and he was so deflated,” premiership winner Thaiday said on Wide World Of Sports’ QLDER.
“He was happy because the Broncos had won, but also really deflated because they had won and he was really gonna struggle to get his position back.
“My conversation with him was go back, work on small things and find your confidence.”
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But as is so often the case in rugby league, an opportunity can come when you least expect it and an unfortunate injury opened the door for Shibasaki.
Named on the six-man bench against the Dolphins on Friday night, Shibasaki was a surprise injection into the contest when Grant Anderson injured his knee and ended up scoring a crucial late try in Brisbane’s 26-12 win at Suncorp Stadium.
Gehamat Shibasaki muscles his way over the line. NRL Imagery
“Gehamat came into this game and had the No.17 on his back and probably brought his boots thinking he wasn’t gonna get a crack,” Thaiday said.
“He went out there and did his job for the team and he will only grow in confidence now.
“It’s his jersey to keep now, but it’s also his jersey to lose.
“He had such a great year last year, to go from Queensland Cup to Australia in not long at all was a great rise – but now, his biggest challenge is consistency.”
Shibasaki might not be the only out-of-favour Broncos player to earn his spot back either, with Jesse Arthars in the mix to face the Gold Coast Titans.
Jesse Arthars has fallen down the pecking order. NRL Imagery
Arthars hasn’t played a first grade game this season, but with Josiah Karapani in hot water and potentially facing the axe for an off-field incident, he could return this week.
“He has just been sitting back and patiently waiting for his opportunity and it would be great to see Jesse Arthars back in the team as well,” Thaiday said.
“It’s the greatest lesson for any kid out there – have patience, keep working on your craft and when your chance comes, take it.”
Brisbane will face the Titans on Saturday night at Cbus Super Stadium.