The Broncos have made a pre-finals statement with star centre Gehamat Shibasaki stood down for his side’s crucial clash against the Storm who welcome back reigning Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes from injury.
Shibasaki has been the feel good story of the year after finally establishing himself in the NRL, with the strike centre leading the way for Brisbane with 15 tries having also been rewarded with an Origin debut in the series decider.
But he’s been dropped to the reserves for Thursday’s must-win game at home due to a breach of standards which has been dealt with internally by the club.
Gehamat Shibasaki won’t play for the Broncos this week due to disciplinary issues. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Shibasaki being dropped comes on the heels of the club being embroiled in a PR crisis thanks to fullback Reece Walsh.
Walsh sparked widespread backlash after posting a video of himself drinking from a toilet to social media.
Despite the drama, Walsh will line up in the number one jersey for the Broncos on Thurdsay night.
With Shibasaki out, Deine Mariner shift to left centre with Jesse Arthars earning a recall on the wing, with Brisbane needing to win to secure fourth spot and a second chance in the finals.
They face a monumental challenge against a Storm side reeling from last week’s heavy loss to the Roosters, with the premiership favourites set to welcome back star playmaker Jahrome Hughes from a shoulder injury.
Hughes hasn’t played since round 21 and is one of several key inclusions with Xavier Coates, Josh King and Eli Katoa returning after they were rested, with Stefano Utoikamanu earning a week off.
The Storm have their own injury concerns with back-rower Shawn Blore suffering a fractured larynx on the eve of the finals.
Shawn Blore has suffered a devastating injury blow on the eve of the finals. Picture: Michael Klein
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has resisted the urge to rest all of his stars again for the final round game against the Dragons, with all of his big guns apart from Brian To’o and Liam Martin to return on Saturday.
There’s mixed news for the Bunnies with skipper Cam Murray named on the bench to play his first game of 2025 after suffering an Achilles injury in pre-season, but Latrell Mitchell won’t face his former side as he deals with a back issue.
Jack Wighton returns from suspension at centre while Brandon Smith has been named on the bench to face his former side who get Sam Walker back from concussion protocols.
Des Hasler has named a couple of rookies in his final game in charge with former Wallaby Carter Gordon and Cooper Bai to take on the Wests Tigers who will unleash highly-touted teenager Heamasi Makasini on the wing.
Enari Tuala has won the race to replace injured winger Jacob Kiraz at the Bulldogs who welcome back Viliame Kikau from his stint in hospital.
The Sharks get Jesse Ramien back from injury and have named five-eighth Braydon Trindall despite him coming off last week with an ankle issue.
Ricky Stuart has made a stack of changes with the Raiders to be without Joseph Tapine, Kaeo Weekes, Ethan Strange and a number of other stars after they clinched the minor premiership last week.
Corey Horsburgh will captain a side featuring a couple of rookies as well as young guns like Ethan Sanders and Chevy Stewart.
Young playmaker Joey Walsh will make his NRL debut off the bench for Manly against a Warriors side missing hooker Wayde Egan, while Dylan Brown will start at five-eighth in his final game for the Eels against the club he’ll join in 2026.
“He’s humble and he’s got great work ethic. Those three things in particular are going to set up most people to have a good career. I think that’s really important,” Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans replied when asked about Walsh.
“And then I can see the ability is there as well, so he wouldn’t look out of place. And as an older fellow, if I got to play alongside Joey Walsh before I left, it’d be a really cool opportunity to maybe have a small impact on someone like his career.”
