Exiting Brisbane Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki has spoken on his decision to make the switch to the Perth Bears, and "can't wait" to run out in the new franchise's colours.
Shibasaki had his NRL career resurrected in 2025, playing the entire season on a bottom-dollar contract but finishing the year with Test international and Queensland Maroons honours, with a premiership ring to go with it.
Before that, Shibasaki floated around a few clubs but could not lock down a permanent spot in their sides, including his NRL debut at the Broncos, then the Knights, Cowboys and Rabbitohs, before returning to Brisbane to make a statement.
The inbound-Bear lifted the lid on his exit at the Broncos after falling down the pecking order in the outside backs during 2026.
The 28-year-old also heaped praise on Broncos coach Michael Maguire for helping him rekindle his NRL career.
“I appreciate the Broncos - they really re-lit my career,” Shibasaki said on Sunday during his first visit to Perth since signing with the club.
“I appreciate that ‘Madge' tried to bring me up in a different part of my career and teach me what it meant to be a professional athlete and being a leader as well.
“I have really grown in that space and I appreciate them (the Broncos) so much for that.”
It was Bears coach Mal Meninga who instilled excitement in him about a change of scenery to Australia's West Coast and being part of a maiden franchise.
Shibasaki credited the 13th rugby league Immortal for his role in kicking off the Bears culture on a positive trajectory.
“I tried the new (Bears) kit on the other day and can't wait to play next year,” Shibasaki explained.
“Mal is a legend of this game. It will be exciting being coached by someone like him and I can't wait for that.
“To take the footy things out of it, it's mainly about being a good person and setting a good foundation for the club.
“Mal is all about the culture. I'm learning a lot about the history of the club and that's something I want to get into.
“I will get behind Mal and support him.”
Shibasaki will battle it out for a starting spot in the Bears lineup against a group of proven starters, with the likes of Harry Newman, Nick Meaney, Chris Vea'ila and Sean Russell gunning for the vacant centre spots.
The Bears will kick off preseason training in two months' time as they close in on their inaugural NRL season.
