Rugby League Market Heats Up: Shibasaki Sought by Five Clubs, Perth Bears Build for 2027 Debut
The rugby league player market is currently buzzing with intense contract negotiations and aggressive club recruitment drives. Broncos player Gehamat Shibasaki is reportedly attracting significant interest from multiple clubs as his contract for the upcoming season remains unconfirmed. Concurrently, the Perth Bears are actively assembling their roster for their inaugural 2027 NRL season, having secured several key signings and pursuing additional talent.
Broncos Star Gehamat Shibasaki in High Demand
Broncos player Gehamat Shibasaki is reportedly sought by five clubs, including his current team, the Brisbane Broncos, alongside the Perth Bears, PNG Chiefs, and two Sydney-based clubs. Shibasaki, who earned $160,000 in the previous season, could potentially secure a new deal worth an additional $500,000. In 2025, Shibasaki debuted for the Maroons, won a premiership, and played three games for the Kangaroos in the Ashes series, significantly boosting his market value.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has stated the club's intention to retain Shibasaki, highlighting his attitude and work ethic as qualities the team values.
Shibasaki's agent, Wayde Rushton, confirmed that external options are being explored. Rushton noted that the impending departures of Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds at the end of the season could potentially create salary cap space for the Broncos, increasing the likelihood of Shibasaki remaining with the club.
While acknowledging Shibasaki's affinity for Brisbane, Rushton indicated that salary cap pressures necessitate evaluating his fit and placement elsewhere.
Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga acknowledged interest in Shibasaki but indicated that his potential asking price, following a successful season, might exceed the club's financial capabilities.
"I just think Gehamat could price himself out for us. We haven’t pursued it too much, I just assumed he would stay with the Broncos," Meninga stated.
Perth Bears Forge Ahead with 2027 Roster Build
The Perth Bears are diligently assembling their roster for their inaugural 2027 NRL season, with 14 players currently reported to be under contract. The club has reportedly secured almost half of its top 30 roster for 2027, with further announcements anticipated in the coming weeks.
Bears coach Mal Meninga expressed satisfaction with the club's current signings but recognized the ongoing need for recruitment to complete the roster, noting the competitive nature of player acquisitions among NRL clubs. Meninga also stated the club is working to finalize signings within the next few weeks before the season commences.
Bears Secure Talent, Pursue Key Prospects
The Bears have made significant progress in their player acquisitions:
- Siosifa Talakai: The Sharks player has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Perth Bears, commencing in their inaugural 2027 season and extending through 2029. Talakai, 28, whose current contract expires in 2026, became eligible to negotiate with other clubs from November 1 of the prior year. He has played centre, back row, and bench utility, scoring 27 tries in 133 games for the Rabbitohs and Sharks since 2016. Talakai also played two State of Origin matches for the Blues in 2022 and represented Tonga in two Tests.
- Scott Sorensen: Panthers premiership winner Scott Sorensen joined the Bears on a two-year deal earlier in the week.
The club is also reportedly pursuing additional players:
- Marata Niukore: The Warriors forward, 29, has reportedly held discussions with the Bears. Niukore has scored 18 tries in 157 games for the Eels and Warriors since 2018.
- Jack Cole: Panthers playmaker Jack Cole, 22, has also reportedly held discussions with the Bears. He has scored three tries in 17 games for Penrith and could provide depth in the halves behind potential starters Toby Sexton and Tyran Wishart.
- Gairo Voro: London Broncos player Gairo Voro has been extended a development offer. Coach Meninga confirmed interest in Voro, identifying him as a talent for Papua New Guinea and noting his performance in last year's Pacific Test series.
- Luke Garner: Penrith Panthers forward Luke Garner is reportedly attracting interest from the Perth Bears. Garner is off-contract at the end of the 2026 season. He joined the Panthers in 2023 from the Wests Tigers and has played over 50 matches for the club.
Elsewhere in the Player Market
Beyond the Perth Bears' recruitment, other player market movements have been reported:
- Alex Johnston: South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston, the NRL's record try-scorer, has indicated he would consider a move to the PNG Chiefs franchise if they enter the NRL in 2028. Johnston, who has Papua New Guinean heritage, is contracted with the Rabbitohs until the end of 2025 and would be 33 years old in 2028. A statue in his honor was recently unveiled at the Rabbitohs' club base, recognizing his achievement of surpassing Ken Irvine's record of 212 tries.
- Francis Molo: Dolphins prop Francis Molo has reportedly signed a two-year contract extension with the club, valued at approximately $1 million, securing his presence until the end of the 2028 season. Molo, 31, reportedly received offers from other NRL clubs and Super League teams but opted to remain with the Dolphins, expressing a belief that the team is a finals contender. He is scheduled to return from a three-game suspension in Round 4, having debuted in the NRL in 2014 and played 154 games.