Four clubs are said to be monitoring Gehamat Shibasaki’s situation at the Broncos, with the Maroons squad member at risk of being squeezed out of the club by salary cap pressure.
Shibasaki said earlier in the week that leaving the Broncos is something he is “considering” as the club’s contract offers continue to come up well short of the centre’s asking price.
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Shibasaki, who is in Origin camp with the Maroons after being named in the 19-man squad for Game I, is hoping for a new deal for 2027 and beyond worth around $600,000 a season.
After winning a train-and-trial deal during the 2025 pre-season, Shibasaki played on a very cheap deal worth $160,000 that year.
It was a fairytale season from Shibasaki, who won a premiership with the Broncos as well as earning a maiden Maroons jersey and winning selection for the Kangaroos’ end of year Ashes tour.
His form this season hasn’t been as strong, particularly earlier in the year, but he’s been solid enough of late at left centre.
The Broncos want to keep him, and Shibasaki prefers to stay put, but according to veteran reporter Peter Badel, they aren’t willing to offer any more than $300,000 a season at this stage.
Gehamat Shibasaki during a Queensland Maroons Men’s State of Origin training session on Sunday.Source: Getty Images
“He wants a big bump up. He deserves one and there are four clubs sniffing around him,” Badel said on ‘NRL 360’.
“I’m told Melbourne showed a bit of interest a couple of months ago (and) they’re watching his circumstances closely.
“The Broncos have made an offer. I’m told it’s not quite palatable to Shibasaki at the moment, so unless they up the ante Shibasaki may be on the way out.
“His preference is to stay but money may be the ultimate determinant. I wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves the Broncos at the end of the season.”
The market for Shibasaki, who is without a deal for next year, hasn’t been hot, meaning he’s up against it to earn a deal near his current asking price.
The Chiefs and Bears have been two teams linked to the centre so far along with the Storm.
“I haven’t figured anything out yet,” Shibasaki told Code Sports earlier this week.
“I’m just playing footy and trying to do what I can for the boys each week.
“I’m a dad first, so family first. I’ve got a family to look after, so that’s my main priority.
“I’d consider (leaving). I’m pretty open to anywhere.”