Broncos’ Origin Star Gamble: Haas Exit Opens Door

Broncos’ Salary Cap Relief: A Silver Lining for State of Origin Star?

The Brisbane Broncos might be facing the prospect of losing a star player, but this potential departure could unlock significant salary cap space, creating a crucial opportunity to retain another rising talent. The anticipated exit of star prop Payne Haas is poised to free up over $1 million in the Broncos’ salary cap. This financial flexibility could prove instrumental in re-signing key players and upgrading existing contracts, potentially securing the future of a player who has rapidly ascended to State of Origin and international honours.

Gehamat Shibasaki, a player who has experienced a meteoric rise, has found himself in a precarious contract situation. While he made his State of Origin debut for Queensland and his Test debut for the Kangaroos in 2025, his current contract with the Broncos only extends to the end of 2026. This leaves him free to negotiate with rival NRL clubs from November 1st. Shibasaki’s journey has been marked by humble beginnings financially; he earned a modest $85,000 in 2025 while on a development contract, with his salary only reaching the league minimum of $140,000 for the current year.

However, a significant salary upgrade is on the horizon for Shibasaki in 2027. It had previously appeared that the Broncos would be unable to match the lucrative offers expected from clubs like the Perth Bears and other NRL outfits. These clubs are anticipated to table offers upwards of $600,000 for the talented centre. Given the Broncos’ tight salary cap constraints, matching such figures seemed an insurmountable challenge.

The imminent departure of Payne Haas to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, however, could dramatically alter the landscape. His exit is projected to inject substantial funds into the Broncos’ salary cap. While the club will undoubtedly be in the market for a middle forward to replace Haas like-for-like, a portion of this newly available cash could be strategically allocated to re-signing Shibasaki.

Adding to the potential good news for Shibasaki is the impending retirement of veteran halfback Adam Reynolds at the conclusion of the 2026 season. This retirement will also create further room within the Broncos’ salary cap. Shibasaki’s remarkable 2025 season saw him play a pivotal role in the Broncos’ NRL premiership victory. His stellar performances then earned him a coveted spot in Game 3 of the State of Origin series for Queensland, followed swiftly by his Test debut as the Kangaroos dominated England in a 3-0 Ashes series whitewash.

A Contractual Crossroads for Shibasaki

Leading rugby league journalist Michael Carayannis had previously commented on Shibasaki’s contract situation back in October, highlighting the challenges the Broncos faced. “You’d think it’d be almost impossible to keep him (Shibasaki) given the pay rise he’s going to get,” Carayannis stated. “And he needs to cash in because he hasn’t been on great money throughout his career. You’d assume he’d be chasing a big contract and he deserves it.”

Shibasaki’s agent, Wade Rushton, confirmed last year that the Broncos had not yet been in a position to make a formal offer for 2027. “Gehamat loves the Broncos after the season he has had and is contracted to them for next season,” Rushton had said. “But they haven’t been able to make him an offer beyond that, and so on November 1, I’m expecting quite a few clubs to show formal interest.”

The fact that Shibasaki has not yet committed his future to another club suggests a degree of patience, possibly holding out for a shift in circumstances at the Broncos. The dual developments of Haas’ impending departure and Reynolds’ planned retirement could very well be the catalysts that enable the Broncos to present Shibasaki with a contract that reflects his burgeoning value and secures his presence at the club for years to come. This situation presents a classic case of one door closing, but another opening, offering a potential lifeline for the Broncos to retain a player who has quickly become a significant asset to the team and representative football. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this salary cap windfall translates into a long-term deal for the Origin and Kangaroos star.