Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm are reportedly one of four rival clubs looking to potentially take advantage of Gehamat Shibasaki’s contract stand-off at the Broncos. The 28-year-old is locked in discussions with Brisbane about a new deal for 2027 and beyond, and is seeking a significant upgrade on his current salary.
But the NRL premiers and the centre appear to be a long way apart in their valuations, with Shibasaki hoping to earn upwards of $600,000 a season on any new deal. According to Brisbane-based league reporter Peter Badel, the Broncos are only prepared to offer the Maroons and Kangaroos Test star $300,000 a season, amid salary cap pressures at the club.
Craig Bellamy’s (L) Storm are reportedly one of the clubs interested in taking advantage of Gehamat Shibasaki’s (bottom right) contract stand-off at the Broncos. Pic: Getty
(Getty)
Shibasaki was one of the NRL’s fairytale stories of 2025 after starting the season on a train-and-trial deal with the Broncos before earning an Origin call-up with Billy Slater’s Maroons. He started at centre in the Game 3 decider and helped Queensland clinch the series, before winning the grand final with Brisbane and then earning a Test call-up with the Kangaroos for their Ashes clean sweep.
However, Shibasaki is only on around $160,000 a season which is a remarkably low figure for any rep player in the NRL. And the 28-year-old – who is currently in camp with the Maroons after being selected in Slater’s 20-man Origin squad – admitted earlier this week that he could be forced to leave Brisbane if the club are unable to improve their offer.
Gehamat Shibasaki’s contract stand-off alerts rivals
The situation has left rival clubs on high alert, with the Storm among those linked with a move for Shibasaki. The Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs are said to be in the mix as well, with Badel suggesting a fourth club is also exploring a deal for the rep centre, who would almost certainly be able to command a bigger salary elsewhere.
“He wants a big bump up. He deserves one and there are four clubs sniffing around him,” Badel told 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.”
Gehamat Shibasaki is open to a move away from the Broncos if he can’t agree a new deal to remain at the club. Pic: Getty
(Chris Hyde via Getty Images)
Shibasaki’s form has been patchy this year, and some questionable defence saw him dropped by Maguire after Brisbane lost their opening two games of the season. He’s since regained his starting spot at Brisbane, with a return to form earning Shibasaki another Origin call-up.
And while the 28-year-old’s preference is to remain at the Broncos, Shibasaki says he’s “open” to any move that would set up his family’s future. “I haven’t figured anything out yet,” Shibasaki told Code Sports 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.”