Latest news with #Shibasaki
The Age
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
The NRL's tallest man gets his Broncos chance. Why has it taken until now?
Broncos rookie Ben Te Kura will at last get his chance in the NRL in 2025, having been forced to fight his way into the side through the Queensland Cup. But despite Brisbane's lack of consistency, and limited support for star props Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan, centre Gehamat Shibasaki has shed light on why the NRL's tallest player has been forced to bide his time. Te Kura has statistically been emphatic for the Souths Logan Magpies, missing just three tackles all year while averaging 105 running metres and more than four tackle busts a game. The 21-year-old has been a lethal try-scoring weapon close to the line, a skill which was on show on debut against the Melbourne Storm and has led to five tries and six line breaks this year. Te Kura may not have made a difference in Brisbane's five defeats from their past six encounters, given how raw he still is and ill-discipline has been the Broncos' primary concern as the second-most penalised team (71). Loading However, his 205-centimetre frame would have posed a point of difference in a pack struggling to make inroads – ranking 13th in the competition for post-contact metres. But Shibasaki revealed Te Kura had been issued a challenge by coach Michael Maguire. 'I think it was just keeping his body comp [composition] down and getting his fitness levels up. He's done really well working hard at that, and I think Madge has seen that,' Shibasaki said.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
The NRL's tallest man gets his Broncos chance. Why has it taken until now?
Broncos rookie Ben Te Kura will at last get his chance in the NRL in 2025, having been forced to fight his way into the side through the Queensland Cup. But despite Brisbane's lack of consistency, and limited support for star props Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan, centre Gehamat Shibasaki has shed light on why the NRL's tallest player has been forced to bide his time. Te Kura has statistically been emphatic for the Souths Logan Magpies, missing just three tackles all year while averaging 105 running metres and more than four tackle busts a game. The 21-year-old has been a lethal try-scoring weapon close to the line, a skill which was on show on debut against the Melbourne Storm and has led to five tries and six line breaks this year. Te Kura may not have made a difference in Brisbane's five defeats from their past six encounters, given how raw he still is and ill-discipline has been the Broncos' primary concern as the second-most penalised team (71). Loading However, his 205-centimetre frame would have posed a point of difference in a pack struggling to make inroads – ranking 13th in the competition for post-contact metres. But Shibasaki revealed Te Kura had been issued a challenge by coach Michael Maguire. 'I think it was just keeping his body comp [composition] down and getting his fitness levels up. He's done really well working hard at that, and I think Madge has seen that,' Shibasaki said.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shibasaki stars as Broncos send Dolphins to 0-4 start
Brisbane's centre Gehamat Shibasaki fired in a man of the match display to consign the Dolphins to a dreaded 0-4 start to the year in a 20-12 win at Suncorp Stadium. Shibasaki's career was in limbo before the start of the season when he was put on a development contract at the Broncos. The NRL journeyman, who has had four clubs and a stint in Japanese rugby, scored two tries in another sensational display to give the Broncos a 3-1 start to the season in front of a sold-out crowd in the "Battle of Brisbane". He was also the winner of the "Battle Medal". Fellow centre Kotoni Staggs, famous for his match-winning try in the inaugural Battle of Brisbane in 2023, scored a crucial individual try on the cusp of half-time in a typically blockbusting display. The Dolphins had a crucial call go against them in the first half when half Isaiya Katoa appeared to secure a 40/20 when the Broncos led 10-6. Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo was clearly over the sideline when he tapped the ball back in-field. The Broncos scored up the other end minutes later through Staggs. Broncos back-rower Jordan Riki was put on report for a shoulder to the head of Dolphins winger Jack Bostock, who left the field for an HIA on the cusp of half-time. Riki was fortunate not to be sent to the sin bin. Those moments aside, the Broncos were the better side and deserved their win on a rainy Brisbane night. The Dolphins failed to take their chances and were far too slow while in possession despite the best efforts of centre Herbie Farnworth, who was his side's best. No side in premiership history apart from Newtown in 1933 has won a title after losing the opening four games of a season. The hosts played their most up-tempo football of the year in the first 12 minutes but couldn't crack the Broncos' defence Brisbane duo Reece Walsh and Staggs held up centre Farnworth with desperation. The Broncos absorbed the pressure and with one chance put the knife in. Five-eighth Ben Hunt delayed a pass perfectly to send second-rower Jack Gosiewski through a hole and Shibasaki finished it off. Hooker Cory Paix took advantage of dreadful marker defence to make it 10-0 after 15 minutes. Katoa conjured a response by straightening up the attack and forward Max Plath dived over under the sticks. Staggs, returning from a hip-flexor injury, did it all himself with a blockbusting run. He pointed at the turf with both hands to signal that Suncorp Stadium belonged to the Broncos. Brisbane's 16-6 lead at halftime was extended after the break when Walsh put Shibasaki over for his second. Dolphins centre Jake Averillo scored a 90m try after a quiet night to keep the scores close.
