Payne Haas, one of the National Rugby League’s (NRL) standout front-rowers, has heaped praise on his Brisbane Broncos teammate and Queensland State of Origin rival, Gehamat Shibasaki. The two are set to face off in the highly anticipated State of Origin III, a series decider scheduled for next Wednesday at Stadium Australia.
The journey from their days as teenage teammates in the Broncos’ U20s team in 2017 to playing on opposing sides in a senior match has been markedly different for Haas and Shibasaki. While Haas has consistently been a dominant force in the NRL over the past five years, Shibasaki’s path to the top has been anything but straightforward.
Shibasaki’s Unconventional Journey
Shibasaki, who debuted alongside Haas at the Broncos in 2018, found himself struggling for game time and eventually moved to the Newcastle Knights. His career took another turn when he ventured into Japanese rugby with the Green Rockets Tokatsu in 2022. However, his passion for rugby league brought him back to Australia, where he took up a train-and-trial deal with the North Queensland Cowboys.
The 26-year-old spent the last year playing in the Queensland Cup in Townsville and was part of a week-to-week contract with South Sydney during their injury crisis. Another opportunity arose at Brisbane this year, where Shibasaki reunited with Haas. According to Haas, Shibasaki returned with a renewed focus and determination.
“He’s way more dialled in. He took his training more seriously, the way he was eating, the way he was preparing for training, it was cool to see. I knew he was serious about it. I knew he knew this was his last shot. He took it with both hands and he’s never looked back.” – Payne Haas
A Surprising Selection
Shibasaki’s selection for Queensland has been one of the most unexpected moves in recent Origin history. Despite the unconventional path, his performance has been nothing short of impressive, scoring 12 tries in 15 games for the Broncos. This achievement has made him the first player to be picked for the State of Origin while on a development deal.
Haas, speaking on Shibasaki’s talent, noted that the potential had always been there, even if it took seven years after his NRL debut to become a regular in the top grade.
“He’s always been gifted, he was one of the best players growing up when we were kids. He lost his way a bit the last few years. But he’s found his way back, and I’m super proud of him. He worked so hard, this was his last shot, and he’s taken it with both hands. I just hate that he’s a Queenslander.” – Payne Haas
Implications for the State of Origin
The inclusion of Shibasaki in the Queensland squad adds an intriguing dynamic to the State of Origin series. His journey reflects the unpredictable nature of sports careers and the resilience required to succeed at the highest levels. The match will not only be a test of skill but also a narrative of redemption and perseverance.
As the series decider approaches, the spotlight will be on both Haas and Shibasaki, who have shared a journey from promising juniors to professional rivals. Their story underscores the rich tapestry of rugby league, where personal battles and team loyalties intertwine.
Looking ahead, Shibasaki’s performance could pave the way for more players on development deals to be considered for representative honors, potentially reshaping how talent is nurtured and recognized in the sport.
The State of Origin III promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to claim victory. As fans and analysts alike anticipate the clash, the narratives of players like Shibasaki remind us of the personal stories that enrich the sporting world.
