Gehamat Shibasaki, a center for both the Brisbane Broncos and Kangaroos, is set to join the Perth Bears on a two-year contract starting in 2027.
This signing marks a significant milestone for the Bears as they work to build their first-ever roster, with Shibasaki likely to take a starting center position when the club debuts in the competition next year.
The 28-year-old has caught the attention of several teams due to his impressive performance over the last 18 months, with reports indicating that five NRL clubs were keeping tabs on him. Ultimately, Perth became the leading contender during contract discussions.
While Brisbane expressed interest in retaining the Queensland Origin representative, sources indicate that the Broncos' financial proposal did not meet the competing offers from other teams.
Shibasaki's choice signifies the conclusion of an extraordinary turnaround in his rugby league career.
After making his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2018, he faced challenging times with the Knights, Cowboys, and Rabbitohs, leading many to believe his time in top-tier rugby was over.
On his return to Queensland, Shibasaki found himself at a pivotal moment in his career, juggling a role as a mentor for youth while playing in the Queensland Cup for the Blackhawks.
This latest move signals a new chapter for the talented outside back as he embarks on his journey with the Bears.