Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Gehamat Shibasaki Broncos contract talks appear set to end with the centre leaving Brisbane Broncos after his breakout 2025 NRL season helped the club win a premiership.
Shibasaki scored 18 tries and made 24 linebreaks after starting on a train-and-trial deal, but Brisbane’s salary cap squeeze has made a new agreement difficult. The issue matters because the Broncos have recently secured key extensions, yet now look likely to lose one of their most-improved players.
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Broncos Look Toward Gagai
Peter Badel reported Brisbane Broncos were not willing to offer Shibasaki more than $300,000 a season after he played on a reported $160,000 deal.
Brent Read said on NRL 360 that Brisbane have “decided to go in another direction”. He added that Shibasaki was asking for “top dollar”, with Dane Gagai seen as the “prime candidate” to replace him.
Gagai has been in strong 2026 form, breaking 78 tackles, second among NRL centres, and adding seven try assists.
A return would bring Gagai back to the club where he made his NRL debut in 2011, before building a long career as one of the competition’s top centres.
Nikorima Weighs Dolphins Future
Kodi Nikorima has also hinted a decision on his future will come in the “next couple of weeks”.
The Dolphins veteran is off contract beyond this season and has confirmed rival interest.
“I’d love to stay here, Brissy is home,” Nikorima said. “I’m an inaugural player here so I’d love to continue that.
“I obviously know this is a business at the end of the day. I do have options elsewhere, which I’m going through now with my management.
“You guys will soon know in the next couple of weeks.”
The Dolphins have reportedly signed George Williams on a two-year deal from next season, but Greg Alexander said Nikorima is the better option right now.
“I haven’t seen much Super League but I’ve seen enough of George Williams, and I rate George Williams, I thought he was fantastic when he played for Canberra. (He’s a) great running player, but at the moment Nikorima hands down (is the better option),” Alexander said on 360.
