A rags-to-riches tale awaits Gehamat Shibasaki in this year’s NRL decider, in a far cry from his last experience watching Brisbane’s last premiership tilt.
It is a tale that has been told before – the 27-year-old centre started the year on a train-and-trial and couldn’t stomach the gruelling first session of the preseason.
But 12 months prior, he was on the couch, watching 10 team-mates named to play on Sunday hitting the lead in the 2023 NRL grand final; only for them to be run down in a painful defeat.
“I was just so happy for them to get that far and work so hard and it just made me so keen to come back and play,” Shibasaki said.
Gehamat Shibasaki celebrates winning the preliminary final against Penrith with Ezra Mam.
©Anthony Kourambanas / NRL Images
“I think that was the start of the drive to get back into it and for me to come back in pre-season, be at this club and being around these boys, I just wanted to be part of that picture.”
Now after winning his place in the side and holding the State of Origin shield aloft after making his Queensland debut in the series decider, he’s about to tick another milestone off the bucket list.
“I’m still pinching myself now, I’m going to a grand final; if you asked me this 12 months ago, I’d laugh at you, it was crazy,” Shibasaki said.
“I was flat out trying to get a contract and stay in the team week-in, and week-out and now we’re off to the grand final.”
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Despite the epic encounters the Broncos had faced in the finals, there’s little doubt he will keep the energy pumping right up to kickoff, with no concerns their opponents had a couple of extra days to prepare.
“It’s a grand final, who’s going to care about the two extra days,” Shibasaki said.
“This is my first one, I can’t wait to go out there and play, even if I played yesterday or today, I can’t wait, so it’s going to be good.”
Cory Paix is off to his first NRL grand final.
©Chloe Davis / NRL Images
Another Bronco who couldn’t imagine being in a grand final is Cory Paix, who fell out of favour in 2023 and was sitting on the sidelines for the season-ender.
After putting his all into the 2024 season with Wynnum Manly Seagulls to earn Queensland Cup Hooker of the Year honours, the 25-year-old now gets his chance.
“For me personally, I’m just happy that I stuck it out and went off to Wynnum last year,” Paix said.
“The old boy always said no matter what jersey you put on, you play to the best of your ability and I played the best I could there at Wynnum.
“Obviously put in a pretty good pre-season and that’s given me a chance to be here today.
Cory Paix was the Hostplus Cup Hooker of the Year playing with Wynnum Manly Seagulls all season in 2024.
©Erick Lucero / QRL
“I’ve been myself every day working hard, and that’s in my DNA, that’s how I was brought up. So honestly, just so grateful to be here.
“It’s a big occasion, but at the end of the day, it’s just another game, but there’s obviously a lot more at stake.
“I’m so grateful to be in this position as a Broncos player, you dare to dream and you never in your wildest dreams think it will come to real life.
“It’s been a journey and certainly one that I’m grateful for and will keep taking advantage of.”
You cannot miss the NRL Grand Final, kicking off live on Channel 9, Sunday 7:30pm AEDT.