It was fitting that Gehamat Shibasaki walked into his first Queensland State of Origin camp alongside Pat Carrigan — the man who unknowingly helped reignite his NRL career.
Just a year ago, Shibasaki was off the NRL radar — working and playing Queensland Cup in Townsville, his top-flight dreams all but shelved. But a chance meeting with Broncos enforcer Pat Carrigan changed everything.
That conversation led to a lifeline: a train-and-trial deal in Brisbane, followed by an $80,000 development contract that saw Shibasaki claw his way back into the NRL spotlight. Fast forward to now, and the 26-year-old will pull on the Maroons jersey for the first time in Game III of the Origin series — a moment that seemed impossible not long ago.
“It’s been a crazy journey, one I didn’t think I’d be on again,” Shibasaki said. “To be standing here with Patty, who played a big part in getting me back on track, it’s pretty special.”
Shibasaki’s story is a testament to perseverance and timing — and a reminder that in rugby league, opportunity often arrives when least expected.
