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News.com.au
10-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘I had to pay them back': Gehamat Shibasaki completes incredible comeback story
Gehamat Shibasaki says his stunning rise to the State of Origin ranks came down to a desire to not 'piss away' his career and to repay the faith shown to him by family members and the Broncos coaching staff who took a punt on a man who is now part of Maroons folklore. The 26-year-old started his career at the Broncos but had stints at the Knights, Cowboys, Rabbitohs and in Japanese rugby before he returned to Brisbane on a train and trial deal. He wasn't expected to be a major factor in their plans this year, but Shibasaki is the club's leading try-scorer thanks to three consecutive doubles, and he's now an Origin winner in what is one of the more remarkable rugby league stories of the year. 'It's been a whirlwind. If you asked me this six months ago, there's no way I would have thought that I'd be playing here,' he said after the game. 'Through all the hard work in the pre-season to getting here now (it's all wild). At the start of the week, I thought I was in the squad. That would have been good in itself, but to play in it and win is a dream come true.' Shibasaki was a star coming through the ranks, with the powerful centre representing the Queensland under-20s three times to go with one appearance for the Junior Kangaroos. But that feels like a lifetime ago for a guy who struggled to keep up in his first few training sessions but quickly developed into a round 1 bolter under Michael Maguire. 'Playing in the juniors is nothing compared to this,' he said. 'This is a childhood dream. Those juniors games were a stepping stone on my path here, but my path took me elsewhere. To come back, fight for my spot and then get here with Billy (Slater) putting his trust in me is unreal. 'Everyone helped me get here – my family, the coaching staff at the Broncos and Madge (Maguire) played a part in my journey. 'For them to work hard and for me to not piss away my career (is why I'm here). I thought it'd be disrespectful to them because they all put in the hard work to help me. 'I had to pay them back. 'But in saying that, it was a gamble coming down to Brisbane. I only came down to work and get fit for the Cup season, but to then get the call from Madge and for him to have the trust to play me in round 1 was unbelievable. 'I went through the ringer in the pre-season, but I stuck at it.' The Blues were encouraged to go after the debutant in defence and they tested him early, with Stephen Crichton beating him twice before the ball stopped coming to the right edge. By the time Crichton eventually scored, the damage had already been done, with Shibasaki laying on the first try of the night when he beat Zac Lomax and found Xavier Coates in space. 'I was so nervous,' he said. 'I missed Crichton twice at the start and that was all because of nerves with me wanting to do something early. 'I took a few deep breaths and then just focused on my next job. When 'X' (Coates) scored in the corner, all the nerves went away.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nathan Cleary overtakes Andrew Johns as NSW half aims to re-write unwanted legacy
Nathan Cleary has already achieved just about everything in his rugby league career, but victory in a State of Origin decider is the one thing that has so far eluded him. The NSW halfback has the chance to cement his legacy as one of the greats of the game on Wednesday night in Sydney and win or lose, he'll overtake Blues legend Andrew Johns in the process. Cleary will enter rarefied air when he runs onto Accor Stadium as he passes league 'Immortal' Johns and Mitchell Pearce as NSW's most-capped halfback. Penrith's four-time premiership winner would have reached the 17-game milestone sooner had it not been for injuries that ruled him out of five of the six Origin games played in 2023 and 2024 - including the Blues' win in last year's decider. And while his father and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary admits it will be a special honour, he knows the halfback will be more concerned about leading his side to another series victory. "It's a big achievement obviously," the Penrith coach said. "But he'd be more interested in just playing well. Let's hope he does." The Blues halfback is widely considered the greatest player of this generation but the one knock on Cleary is that he has never dominated an Origin series like some of the greats did. He admitted to a sense of 'envy' watching the Blues win the deciding Game 3 without him last year, when long-time halves partner Jarome Luai starred for the Blues. Cleary and Luai won four grand finals together with Penrith but are yet to win an Origin decider playing alongside one another. The pair had less than a week to rekindle their chemistry before the Blues' Game 2 defeat in Perth, but Luai says with more preparation under their belt for Game 3, it will bring out the best in the Blues. "Everyone would say the more prep you have, the more reps you get in the bank, the more confidence you have from your training. Basically it's just more confidence in the bank" Luai said. "I get tingles (thinking) about it, being back with a lot of guys that I've had a lot of success with. But I think it's all about putting that away now and focusing on what we can do next." RELATED: NSW ditch pre-match tradition in stunning move for Origin 3 Broncos cop double blow as two players sidelined for weeks Game 3 represents a massive opportunity for Cleary to banish the demons from defeats in the 2020 and 2022 Origin deciders. Injuries across the following two series prevented him from doing so but with an 80,000-strong crowd behind him in Sydney on Wednesday night, the stage is set for Cleary to write his name into Origin folklore. 'If you look at some of the greats who are coaching the teams – Laurie Daley and Billy Slater – they came up with some huge plays and owned Origin on certain occasions," former NSW halfback Brett Kimmorley said. 'Nathan doesn't need to do it because he's won grand finals on his own and helped Penrith win four comps, but his ability to put a masterclass in Origin is one thing that he hasn't done yet. 'If there's ever a moment set up for him to win a decider in Sydney, I think it's set up for his legacy to grow as it has already in his career.' And the Penrith champion says he'll be treating it just like the four-straight grand finals he's won with the Panthers. 'We're sort of just framing it like it's a grand final because it is," Cleary said. "It's sort of got that mentality and I'm looking forward to that challenge... Watching last year's one was incredible, but there was that sort of envy there that I wasn't able to be a part of it and play. It's come full circle now and I get the opportunity to be in one. These are the games that you want to play in.' One of the only games left that Nathan Cleary has yet to win in his rugby league career... an Origin decider 👀🏆#NRL #StateofOrigin — Random Stats Guy (@randostatsguy) July 8, 2025 with AAP
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Queensland stars halt Origin celebrations to pay a touching tribute to Cameron Munster's dad after emotion victory against New South Wales
Cameron Munster's rollercoaster of emotions came bubbling to the surface after a sad and ultimately inspiring week for the Queensland captain. After the death of his dear father Steven in the days before the State of Origin decider in Sydney, Munster led the Maroons to a 24-12 win in what was his finest hour as a footballer. The 29-year-old wiped away tears as he embraced his coach Billy Slater post-match. The bravery and strength of character shown by Munster to play was an inspiration to his coach and also to his teammates who all lifted to a man. In the changing rooms after the match, the Maroons stars sang and sprayed beer as they celebrated winning bragging rights over their arch rivals New South Wales. But they paused for a brief and heartwarming moment to pay tribute to Munster's father, Steven, with coach Billy Slater leading the tributes. The Maroons players gathered round in a circle, put their arms around their captain and raised their beers in the air in tribute to his father. An emotional Munster covered his face and dropped his head towards the floor, overwhelmed with emotion. After the match, Munster was interviewed by his childhood hero Darren Lockyer on Channel Nine and all the feelings of his turbulent week spilled out. 'Look, it's a tough one, like a high of emotions. When someone loses someone, you forget about it sometimes, but then it brings back memories,' Munster said. 'I just want to say thank you to all of the rugby league community, they've been outstanding. 'I've had so much support and text messages from not only rugby league (people). Family is more important than anything, and a lot of people showed that the last couple of days and really got behind me.' Munster has grieved with his family this week and singled them out for being rocks of support. 'Thank you to my Mum, my sister, my partner Bianca and the kids for getting behind me this weekend,' Munster said. 'I know it's been a tough time, but that's life. 'I just want to appreciate everyone that's been around me and made this week so special. We'll enjoy tonight and I can't wait to obviously go next year and hopefully see what we can do.' Munster has received great support from his Maroons teammates but also from his Blues opponents, which clearly moved him. 'I'd just like to thank the NSW Blues, Isaah (Yeo), Nathan (Cleary), Laurie Daley and all the coaching staff and all the players,' Munster said at the official presentation. 'I really appreciate some of you reaching out to me during the week. It just shows how good rugby league is. 'Family's bigger than the sport. Thank you for rallying behind me. It doesn't go unnoticed. I'm in awe of all you guys and you'll be back bigger and better next year.' Munster's two performances as captain of the Maroons don't get any better. He was man of the match in the 26-24 win in game two in Perth to keep the series alive and then played a controlled, disciplined and also dangerous role in the decider. His kicking display was as good as any in his 21-game Origin career.
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Billy Slater in tears in emotional Cameron Munster Origin embrace
Queensland skipper Cameron Munster fell to his knees before being mobbed by teammates after leading his team to an emotional victory over the Blues after the tragic passing of his father. Munster only rejoined the team for the captain's run on Tuesday after spending time with his family grieving, before leading Queensland to a 24-12 to clinch the 2025 series. Munster showed immense strength in summing up his emotions post match when interviewed on the field. 'Yeah look, it's a tough one,' Munster said. 'Like a high of emotions. I think when someone loses someone, you forget about it sometimes, but then it brings back memories and obviously, I just want to say thank you to all the rugby league community. They've been outstanding. 'I've had so much support and text messages from not only obviously rugby league, but also the NSW team, so just shows what kind of character those guys are and yeah, just forever grateful. 'And rugby league and that I think family is more important than anything and a lot of people showed that the last couple of days and really got behind me, so I want to say thank you to all those people and thanks for coming out tonight.' Munster was stoic but became emotional talking to his wife and kids. 'Thank you to my Mum, My sister, my partner Bianca and the kids,' Munster said. 'I just want to say thank you for getting behind me this weekend. I know it's been a tough time, but yeah, I guess at the end of the day, that's life. 'And I just want to appreciate everyone that's been around me and make this week so special. And yeah, we'll enjoy it tonight and can't wait to obviously go next year and hopefully see what we can do. But thank you guys. Have a good night.' Earlier Munster paid tribute to the Blues for reaching out to him in a tough week. 'I just like to thank the NSW Blues, Isaah Nathan, Laurie Daley and all the coaching staff and all the players,' Munster said. 'I just want to say I really appreciate some of you reaching out to me during the week. Just shows how good rugby league is. 'Family's bigger than the sport and yeah, I just want to say thank you for rallying behind me. It doesn't go unnoticed. And yeah, testament to all you guys as characters, I'm in awe of you. I'm in awe of all you guys and you'll be back bigger, better than next year.' 'So obviously the Ampol. Peter V'landys, Andrew Abdo just thanks for the spectacle. It's been a great series to obviously the Queensland boys and the coaching staff. I love youse, I just want to say thanks for making it a great week. To NSW fans also, especially at Queensland fans back home. And tonight, thanks for coming tonight. It's always a great series, forever grateful.' Munster didn't think the Maroons had it won until the final whistle. 'I wouldn't say we had the game in the bag,' Munster said. 'You know, guys like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards Jarome Luai with the ball in hand, Latrell Mitchell Stephen Crichton. So you just know when they got the ball so they can create anything. 'So look, if those last five minutes I've seen him dominate grand finals, they've come back from big losses. And yeah they did it in game two. 'And look we went away a little bit at the I thought we made it. We made it work. You know the saying goes you work hard you get lucky, so it felt like our group worked really hard tonight. And yeah we've got those 5050s.' Munster wrote himself a little bit of history by becoming the fourth Queenslander to win his first series as captain, joining Darren Lockyer, Trevor Gillmeister and Cameron Smith. Andrew Johns paid tribute to Munster's heroic performance. 'Well, Queensland supporters, your skipper, he's played one for the ages,' Johns said. 'The passing of his father on Sunday, Steven, the courage to play but also wanting to play. He's inspired his teammates they've lifted. They've no doubt they've lifted for the for the Munster family. 'Cameron Munster knew the importance of captaining Queensland. It's been some performance.' Cameron Smith also paid tribute to Munster. 'Just look at those pictures on screen, Cam Munster been a tough three or four days for him and his family,' Smith said. 'Been able to put all that aside. Such tragic circumstances. You see Dylan Edwards there just going up to console him. All the NSW players. It's great to see. They battle it out for 80 minutes, but at the end of the day. We're all mates.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Billy Slater sheds a tear as emotional scenes erupt after Maroons thump Blues to win State of Origin 2025
Emotional scenes erupted as the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday night, as Queensland added another chapter to the Maroon's State of Origin folklore by shocking NSW with a 24-12 victory at the Accor Stadium to win back the shield. It came after it was revealed at the weekend that Cameron Munster's father, Steven, had suddenly passed away on Saturday night. Munster had bravely insisted that he would lead the Maroons team out on Wednesday night and he did just that, subsequently receiving the plaudits from many including New South Wales captain Isaah Yeo. 'It's an incredibly brave effort, you did a brave job,' Yeo said to Muster following the match. The pair shared a big embrace on the pitch at full-time with Munster also delivering his thanks to many of the Blues squad who sent their support to him at such a difficult time. 'I just want to say I really appreciate some of yous reaching out to me in the week,' Munster said after the match. 'It shows how good rugby league is. A testament to some of you as characters and I'm in awe of you guys.' The Maroons skipper was also seen sharing a huge embrace with Queensland coach Billy Slater, who had lumped praise on the half-back this week, for his resilience. Slater appeared to share a tear as he shared an emotional moment with the Melbourne Storm star. 'Cam's an inspiration to many people,' Slater had said on Tuesday. 'He's a hero to many in Queensland. I can imagine his dad was his first inspiration and hero. 'So, he'd be hurting right now, and that's why he needs us and his family.' Munster, meanwhile, opened up on how the last few days have been for him, paying thanks to his team-mates, the NSW team and all those who have issued messages of support following the tragic news. 'It's a tough one,' he told Channel Nine. 'I think when someone loses someone, you forget about it sometimes, but then it brings back memories and obviously, I just want to say thank you to all the rugby league community. 'They've been outstanding. I've had so much support and text messages from not only obviously rugby league, but also the NSW team, so just shows what kind of character those guys are. 'Just forever grateful, and rugby league and that, I think family is more important than anything. 'And a lot of people showed that the last couple of days and really got behind me. So I want to say thank you to all those people.' He later added: 'To my mum, sister and partner Bianca, thank you for getting behind me this week. And I know it's been a tough time but I guess at the end of the day that's life. 'I just want to say thank you to everyone that's gotten around me.' In a state of chaos a month ago after losing game one, the Maroons were dominant at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night after also stunning NSW in Perth last month. Halfback Tom Dearden was brilliant in both attack and defence in the biggest game of his life, scoring twice and having a hand in another. Rookie centre Robert Toia was also among a cast of stars for the Maroons. So disciplined were Queensland, the Maroons completed their first 30 sets and took a 20-0 halftime lead against a disappointing Blues. Queensland's 1995 series whitewash with Paul Vautin's neville nobodies rightly holds top spot in famous backs-to-the-wall Maroons effort. The 2020 victory with the so-called 'worst Queensland team in history' is a close second. But the 2025 effort will also now rank alongside those. Billy Slater's men looked shot after dropping the series opener, resulting in captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans being axed mid-series. But in the weeks since they have become the first Maroons side to win back-to-back on the road after going 1-0 down at home. 'I wouldn't say we had the game in the bag,' Munster said. 'You know, guys like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai with the ball in hand. Latrell Mitchell, Stephen Crichton. when they got the ball they can create anything, in those last five minutes I've seen them dominate grand finals, they've come back from big losses. And yeah they did it in game two.' 'We made it work. You know the saying goes you work hard you get lucky. 'So it felt like our group worked really hard tonight. And yeah we've got those 5050s.' Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was dominant up front early, while his veteran front-row partner Josh Papalii also held his own after being called out of Origin retirement. Queensland's most unlikely bolter Gehamat Shibasaki laid on the Maroons' first try, after he brushed through a Zac Lomax tackle to put Xavier Coates over. Then it was Toia's turn to have an impact, splitting the Blues defence in two when he flung an offload out the back as he was being pushed into touch. That Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to burst into a gaping hole and put Dearden across in support play. Dearden was again influential in the Maroons' next, poking his nose through before Harry Grant spun through four defenders out of dummy-half on the next play. Toia and Dearden then produced the two biggest defensive moments of the second half, with try-savers on Angus Crichton and Brian To'o shortly after the break. NSW eventually got on the board in the 54th minute through Stephen Crichton and Dearden and To'o traded tries late, but NSW attack was otherwise off as poor last-tackle options killed the hosts. Nowhere was that more obvious than when Jarome Luai gave away a 20m tap with a kick that floated into the in-goal early, after a Blues attacking raid.
