The Potential Silver Lining for Gehamat Shibasaki
While Gehamat Shibasaki may not be thrilled about Payne Haas potentially leaving the Brisbane Broncos, there could be a positive outcome if it means he gets to stay. Haas’ departure would free up over $1 million in the Broncos’ salary cap, which they could use to re-sign key players and improve contracts.
Shibasaki, who made his State of Origin and Test debut in 2025, is only under contract for 2026 with the Broncos and is free to negotiate with other teams. In 2025, he earned just $85,000 because he was still on a development contract, and his salary only increases to the league-minimum $140,000 this year.
However, 2027 looks set to be a big year for Shibasaki, and it seemed like the Broncos wouldn’t be able to afford him. The Perth Bears and other NRL clubs are likely to offer him upwards of $600,000, and the Broncos appeared unable to match that due to salary cap constraints.
But with Haas’ potential move to the Rabbitohs, Brisbane now has the financial flexibility to make a new offer to Shibasaki. The Broncos will likely look for a middle forward as a like-for-like replacement for Haas, but they could also use some of the freed-up funds to re-sign their rising star.
With Adam Reynolds also announcing his retirement at the end of 2026, the situation seems promising for Shibasaki. The centre had a remarkable rise in 2025, helping the Broncos win the NRL premiership and making his State of Origin debut in Game 3 for Queensland. He then made his Test debut as the Kangaroos swept England 3-0 in the Ashes.
Challenges in Securing a New Deal
Despite his impressive performances, the Broncos haven’t been able to offer Shibasaki a new deal. Speaking back in October, leading journalist Michael Carayannis noted: “You’d think it’d be almost impossible to keep him given the pay rise he’s going to get. And he needs to cash in because he hasn’t been on great money throughout his career. You’d assume he’d be chasing a big contract and he deserves it.”
Shibasaki’s agent, Wade Rushton, revealed last year that Brisbane hadn’t been able to make him an offer for 2027. “Gehamat loves the Broncos after the season he has had and is contracted to them for next season,” Rushton said. “But they haven’t been able to make him an offer beyond that, and so on November 1, I’m expecting quite a few clubs to show formal interest.”
The fact that Shibasaki hasn’t already decided his future suggests he might have been holding out in case something changed at the Broncos. The exit of Haas and the retirement of Reynolds could be exactly the opportunity he was waiting for.
A Crucial Decision Ahead
As the 2026 season approaches, the decisions made by the Broncos regarding Haas and Reynolds will play a significant role in determining Shibasaki’s future. If the club can secure the necessary funds, they may be able to offer him a contract that reflects his value and potential.
For now, all eyes are on the Broncos’ management and how they navigate the salary cap challenges. With the right moves, they could retain one of their most promising talents and continue building a strong team for the future.
