Deine Mariner might have been touted as the long-term attacking weapon to inspire the Broncos’ backline raids, but another player has cast a shadow over his future.
Gehamat Shibasaki has rocketed into the selection frame, with Brisbane coach Michael Maguire confirming the 26-year-old was firming as a strong consideration for round one.
Gehamat Shibasaki pictured during his first stint at the BroncosCredit: NRL Photos
With just 30 NRL caps since his 2018 debut between stints at the Broncos, Cowboys, Knights and Rabbitohs, Shibasaki has impressed Maguire to the point where an impressive Preseason Challenge showing against the Bulldogs on Saturday could cement his comeback.
Mariner has been considered the club’s next Steve Renouf since his schoolboys days, with the 21-year-old scoring 22 tries in 27 NRL appearances.
But Shibasaki’s ability to thrive in a brutal Maguire summer put him in line for an upgrade on his development contract to be available to take on the Sydney Roosters.
Maguire said he was eager to give Shibasaki a chance, and named him to start at Kayo Stadium.
“I said when I arrived that if you perform and do the things that the team wants – not to say the others aren’t – they’re going to get an opportunity. Everyone gets a clean page to start with,” Maguire said.
“It was about performing at training, and Gehamat has done a great job. He has been around first-grade before, he’s not a pup, he’s got a bit of experience under his belt.
“He’s got himself really fit and performed at training, so we’re going to give him an opportunity.”
Michael Maguire on Gehamat Shibasaki
“Deino is a very good player himself, but I think he made the statement about making sure you are tougher on the other side of the game as well. Fifty per cent of our game is defending, and that’s part of what I have challenged every player.”
The off-contract Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs were also yet to secure their futures.
Deine Mariner’s place in Brisbane’s backline is under threat from a shock source.Credit: Getty
While Staggs was understood to be deep in negotiations to extend his tenure, declaring at the Deadly Choices season launch on Thursday “I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else”, Cobbo’s contract talks had reportedly been put on hold to help him focus on regaining his form.
The Maroons flyer would shift back to the wing, having started strongly at centre in 2024 before battling inconsistency as Brisbane slumped out of the finals race.
Maguire had been true to his word in providing a clean slate, with Jack Gosiewski also named to start in the backrow this weekend at the expense of Brendan Piakura.
Kobe Hetherington would also start at lock with Pat Carrigan moving to prop, a move Maguire hinted could be a sign of things to come in 2025.
“It’s obviously what I’m keen to have a look at, so we’ll test that this week. Having Payne, Patty and Kobe there, it’s a strong middle,” Maguire said.
“I’ve watching [Carrigan] for a long time. The middles do play a certain different role, and our style of how we’re going to play will suit Pat playing the way he is.”
