Gehamat Shibasaki is set to join the Perth Bears and could link-up with former Broncos teammate Tyson Smoothy as the incoming club continues to build their NRL roster. Shibasaki has been involved in an extended contract negotiation with the Broncos, but reports emerged recently that the player and club were miles apart in terms of what he should be paid.
The Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs were always lurking and when the Broncos signed Dane Gagai for next year, it looked likely Shibasaki was out the door. And The Courier Mail has now reported that Shibasaki has officially signed with the Perth Bears.
Gehamat Shibasaki (pictured) is set to join the Bears on a two-year deal and could link-up with former teammate Tyson Smoothy in Perth. (Getty Images)
The former Queensland Maroons centre has reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $1 million. And his new deal could see him link up with former teammate Smoothy.
The former Broncos forward left to join Wakefield Trinity in the Super League this year, but is set to return to Australia at the end of the season for family reasons. Reports suggest Smoothy will also sign with the Bears for 2027.
Shibasaki cracked the first-grade team at the Broncos under Michael Maguire last year. He cemented himself in the side as the team went on a stunning run to win the NRL premiership.
However, Shibasaki has found himself in and out of the Broncos side in 2026. The centre’s form dipped to start the season, but he has been reinstated as the Broncos look to finish their season on another breathtaking run to reach finals footy.
Shibasaki has played 68 times for the Brisbane Broncos and scored 27 times. The centre went on to represent Queensland in a winning State of Origin series last year. He then featured for the Kangaroos at the end of year Ashes tour.
Gehamat Shibasaki (pictured) is set to join the Perth Bears. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Gehamat Shibasaki could link-up with Smoothy
Meanwhile, Wakefield Trinity coach Daryl Powell revealed Smoothy will depart the club at the end of the season, which has prompted reports he will join the Bears.
“It’s cut and dried really,” Powell told BBC Radio last week. “That’s been done for a few weeks now, we’ve moved on from it. He knows what’s happening, we know what’s happening. I think that’s important so he can settle down and just get on with his rugby.
“There’s no point chasing something you know, it’s family related. I think he’s enjoying his time here for sure, but you know sometimes there are bigger things at play and it is what it is.”
Tyson Smoothy (pictured) will depart Wakefield at the end of the current season. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)