Gehamat Shibasaki is cherishing the opportunity to be a part of the Perth Bears' inaugural NRL season; the centre hopes to grow rugby league in Western Australia.
Shibasaki acknowledged he wasn't aware of rugby league's presence in Western Australia, as it is traditionally an AFL-dominated state, but hopes the Perth Bears can grow rugby league back in WA.
“I just know Western Australia would be an AFL-dominated place. Being over here, the community's pretty big, and they love it over here, and it's unreal”. Shibasaki said at the WARL junior grand finals this weekend.
Shibasaki also spoke about the opportunity to sign with the Perth Bears and be part of the new franchise.
“I want to be a part of the new thing; I don't want to miss out," he said.
The Queenslander relayed his excitement about their upcoming 2027 season as he prepares to make the move.
“I tried the new kit on yesterday, and I'm pretty keen to get out there and play next year," he said.
The chance to play under Mal Meninga was a selling factor for Shibasaki, as he praises the Bears coach. The Bears coach believes that Shibasaki has the character and personality that the team wants to build around.
“It's Mal Meninga, you know, he's a legend of this game, so it's pretty exciting being coached by Mal," the departing Broncos centre said.
He also spoke about the willingness to learn about the culture and the history, something that he wants to be involved with.
“I'm about learning a lot about the history and stuff like that too, and that's another thing I want to get right into too," he revealed.
“So I think that's the big thing there is get behind Mal and start all that up.”
Shibasaki talked about being perceived as an underdog within the NRL and hopes to prove people wrong.
“I think in my career it's been ups and downs, and a lot of people in the media are talking about the Bears and the roster…I'm pretty keen to show people and build this club up, prove people wrong," the centre said.
The Bears have signed various players within the NRL and overseas. Shibasaki is embracing the chance to play with fresh faces, and the Bears continue to build their roster.
“I'm pretty keen with some of the English boys as well, getting them over here and getting them involved in the NRL," the Queenslander said.
