Jamal Shibasaki has signed a one-year deal with the North Sydney Bears for the 2027 NSW Cup season, with the young forward handed an opportunity to impress the Perth Bears during pre-season alongside his older brother.
Shibasaki will join Perth's pre-season preparations before linking up with North Sydney ahead of the 2027 campaign.
Zero Tackle understands that a strong pre-season performance could lead to a development contract with the NRL's newest club.
The 21-year-old is the younger brother of Gehamat Shibasaki, who is expected to start in the centres for Perth when they make their NRL debut in Round One next year.
Jamal will now have the chance to follow in his brother's footsteps, with the pre-season providing an opportunity to showcase his ability to the Perth coaching staff and push for a potential promotion.
Currently playing in the Queensland Cup with the Wynnum Seagulls, Shibasaki has featured across lock and the second row throughout the 2026 season.
He has made 14 appearances for Wynnum this year, scoring five tries while recording six line breaks and an impressive 94.5 per cent tackle efficiency.
Shibasaki also has representative experience, having represented the Queensland Maroons Under-19s in the 2023 State of Origin fixture.
The forward has already tasted NRL football, making his debut for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2024 before adding another first-grade appearance the following year.
However, he has been unable to add to that tally since, with the move to the Bears presenting another opportunity to work his way back into the NRL frame.
North Sydney confirmed the signing on Friday, welcoming Shibasaki to the club ahead of the upcoming campaign.
“The North Sydney Bears are pleased to announce the signing of second-rower Jamal Shibasaki for the 2027 NSW Cup season,” they wrote.
“Shibasaki brings NRL experience to the Bears, having made his first-grade debut with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2024. He will undertake pre-season training with the Perth Bears later this year before joining North Sydney's NSW Cup squad ahead of the 2027 campaign.
“Welcome to the Bears, Jamal! We look forward to seeing you in red and black.”
