Bears land another big-name recruit with Broncos star set to sign

The Perth Bears are reportedly closing in on another significant signing, with Brisbane Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki expected to join the expansion club from the 2027 season.

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Shibasaki is understood to be in the final stages of agreeing to a two-year contract that would see him depart Red Hill at the end of this season according to reports on Zero Tackle which state the deal is all but confirmed.

The deal is reportedly worth around $1 million across the two seasons and would hand the Bears another experienced first-grade player as they continue assembling their maiden squad.

The 28-year-old is expected to slot straight into Perth’s starting side after enjoying one of the most remarkable career revivals in recent NRL history.

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After debuting with Brisbane in 2018, Shibasaki spent time at Newcastle, North Queensland and South Sydney before his NRL future appeared all but over.

He returned to Queensland on a train-and-trial deal with the Broncos after playing Queensland Cup, where he was balancing football with mentoring young people.

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That gamble paid off spectacularly, with Shibasaki forcing his way into Brisbane’s first-grade side before developing into one of the competition’s most dangerous centres.

His outstanding form earned him a Queensland State of Origin debut before he capped his stunning rise with Australian representative honours later in the year.

Despite his fall in form in 2026, Brisbane had been keen to retain centre, but the Bears have reportedly won the race for his signature, fending off interest from several rival NRL clubs and taking advantage of a salary cap squeeze in Brisbane.

If confirmed, Shibasaki would become another major piece of Perth’s growing roster as the Bears continue attracting established talent ahead of their entry into the competition next season.

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