Gehamat Shibasaki has candidly reflected on a night that could have derailed his season, the moment he was dropped from the Brisbane Broncos’ Round 27 clash against the Melbourne Storm, and the emotional journey back into the team ahead of the finals.

The 27-year-old outside back faced a suspension after breaking Brisbane’s strict no-drinking pact, a guideline enforced by coach Michael Maguire and the senior playing group. The incident saw Shibasaki stood down for one game, a decision that could have had lasting consequences for his position in the squad.

"I thought I might not be back, 100 per cent," Shibasaki told News Corp.
"I was disappointed in myself for what I did... I really let the boys down and the coaching staff."

For Shibasaki, the episode was a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with wearing the Broncos jersey. Despite the setback, he refused to dwell on the mistake. Instead, he focused on regaining the trust of his teammates and leadership group.

"I was ready to do whatever it took to get the boys ready to prepare for [the Canberra] game if I wasn’t picked," he said.
"I trained really hard last week. I copped my punishment. I was ready for whatever the leadership group and Madge decided and I would back them 100 per cent if they didn’t want me back."

The hard work and dedication paid off. Shibasaki’s commitment during training was rewarded with a recall to the side for Brisbane’s qualifying final against the Canberra Raiders. The match, held in the nation’s capital, was a tense, edge-of-the-seat encounter that went into extra time before the Broncos secured a memorable victory and booked a preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium.

"When I got picked, I just wanted to put my best performance forward to pay the boys back," Shibasaki said.
"We worked so hard to get to this position and now we are one game away. I’m so happy with that performance.

"They believed in me, so we went out there and got the tough win and I’m so proud of the boys.

"It was incredible. I have never played in a game like that.

"It’s all eyes forward for the next two weeks, get our prep right and go again. It’s my first preliminary final and I didn’t know whether to cry or cheer at the end of the game."

Shibasaki’s rise from the fringes of the Broncos squad to a key finals player is testament to his resilience and determination. He began the 2025 season on a training contract and gradually worked his way into the main lineup, eventually earning the distinction of making his Queensland debut in the State of Origin decider.

The preliminary final represents another milestone in what has already been a breakthrough year for Shibasaki. For the outside back, the lessons learned from his off-field lapse have been clear and unambiguous.

"No way will I make that mistake again," he affirmed.
"Never again."

Brisbane’s management and senior players have highlighted Shibasaki’s handling of the situation as a positive example of accountability. By acknowledging his error, accepting his punishment, and focusing on performance, he has demonstrated the kind of professionalism that coaches hope to instill in younger players.

The team’s belief in Shibasaki’s ability to contribute at a high level under pressure was reinforced during the qualifying final. His performance on the field reflected not only his individual talent but also his commitment to the collective goals of the Broncos squad.

As the Broncos prepare for the preliminary final at Suncorp, Shibasaki’s journey serves as an inspirational narrative of redemption and resilience. His story underscores the importance of self-discipline, accountability, and seizing opportunities when they arise.

Looking ahead, Shibasaki knows that maintaining focus and upholding the standards set by the team is paramount. He has expressed a clear determination to ensure that his future contributions are defined by performance and professionalism, rather than off-field mistakes.

The preliminary final presents Shibasaki with the chance to further cement his place in the Broncos’ elite playing group and continue building on the remarkable season he has experienced. From a training contract at the start of the year to a potential grand final berth, his journey embodies the highs, lows, and ultimate rewards of professional sport.

Shibasaki’s reflections provide fans with a rare insight into the personal challenges faced by elite athletes, highlighting the pressures of accountability both on and off the field. For Brisbane supporters, his story is a reminder that even in moments of setback, perseverance, humility, and hard work can lead to triumph.

As he prepares for his first preliminary final, all eyes will be on Shibasaki—not just for his skills on the field but for the resilience and maturity he has shown in navigating the trials of a challenging season.