Maroons find diamond in rough as Gem sheds happy tears

Joel Gould | July 1, 2025

They call him “Gem” and the rise of Gehamat Shibasaki from rugby league limbo to Queensland debutant is the ultimate diamond in the rough story.

The 27-year-old centre has gone from zero to hero at Brisbane after not having an NRL deal in the pre-season.

Now, after scoring 12 tries in 15 matches for the Broncos, Shibasaki will make State of Origin history as the first player on a development-list contract to play Origin football.

Maroons coach Billy Slater said this week that Shibasaki had “an inspirational story” to tell and the pride and emotion with which he spoke in camp on Tuesday was palpable.

The phone call he fielded from Slater to tell him he was playing in the Origin decider in Sydney next week was a dream come true.

Now he wants to make the most of the opportunity and ensure his first match as a Maroon is not a one-off.

“I didn’t have Billy’s number saved so I answered it. It was a wholesome conversation and one I dreamed of as a kid,” he said. 

“I am trying to soak it all in and focus on each day. My family is so happy and there’s been a lot of happy tears. 

“I will take this experience and fingers crossed it’s a continuing thing playing for Queensland. 

“I am ready. I am prepared for this. Madge (Broncos coach Michael Maguire) said to me that if you prepare well, you will be ready and I will be prepared for this. 

“I’ve done the hard work.”

Shibasaki, a former three-time Queensland Under 20s representative, was playing for Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup last year.

By chance it was a conversation with fellow Broncos and Maroons teammate Pat Carrigan that inspired him to aim higher.

“I was pretty happy with working and playing footy at the Blackhawks,” he said.

“The pressure of NRL, I didn’t feel like going through that again, but Patty came to town to play the Cowboys and that lit the fire again.

“It was just a ‘wake up to yourself’ sort of thing where Patty said to come back for one more try and ‘come and live with me if you want’.

“Now he is asking me for fuel money.

“I gave Wynnum a call, they gave me a chance, and it’s gone from there.”

Shibasaki still had no guarantees and had to earn his chance, moving from a train and trial deal with the Broncos to the development list contract he is currently on.

“I’m on a development deal so I have a lot to prove. I am just playing my best footy,” he said.

“Six months ago, I didn’t have a contract. I was just scraping through … fighting my way through the pre-season and trying to get fit.

“I just kept working hard and I knew after Christmas the footy would come along.

“It’s all paid off. We have some outstanding players in the background at the Broncos so we are all fighting each other for a spot.

“I’m just focusing on my role.”