Josiah Karapani dropped as Gehamat Shibasaki earns NRL recall
Broncos winger Josiah Karapani’s late-night behavior at Valley nightclub led to his dismissal from his side’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans, opening the door for Gehamat Shibasaki to restart the fight for his future at Red Hill.
Shibasaki was demoted to Michael Maguire’s bench after an appalling defensive outing against the Eels in round two, missing five tackles as Parramatta exposed Brisbane’s left edge.
But Maguire’s decision to drop Karapani following an altercation at Fortitude Valley following Brisbane’s victory over the Dolphins and the injury to fellow flyer Grant Anderson have left the one-time Maroons representative in a renewed reckoning.
Karapani has been one of Brisbane’s leading players this season; He averaged 153 meters per game while missing just three tackles and making two errors in four games.
Queensland Police issued him with a public nuisance offense and a fine and a one-month nightlife zone ban following an altercation with other nightclub attendees in the early hours of Saturday morning.
No charges were laid, but Maguire made clear his stance on player discipline off the pitch last year when he dropped Shibasaki for training while still under the influence of alcohol.
Now, Shibasaki has another chance at redemption after scoring a try on Friday night, running 78 meters off the bench and replacing the injured Anderson, who will miss 10 to 12 weeks with an MCL injury and a tibia fracture.
“We are fully aware of the depth in our squad, players are capable of stepping up and getting the job done,” Broncos captain Adam Reynolds said.
“[Shibasaki] He was outstanding, that’s his quality as a player. It might have been easy for him to kick rocks and stuff, but he was super professional in training, one of the most consistent in training.
“We knew when he got back there he would take care of the job for us. It’s a shame GA [Anderson] “I’m back from the leg injury, but the depth of our squad is pretty amazing.”
Shibasaki, whose contract expires at the end of the season, told reporters last month that he had not yet enjoyed his life after 2026.
“My manager, I left him there to do his job and deal with all that later, but I’ll let the football do the talking and keep working hard for my team. Everything else will fall into place, so if I stay there I won’t have to worry about all that,” the 27-year-old said.
“I don’t want to put a limit on myself. I’m really looking forward to keeping that consistency and just focusing on what I can do and making myself better every day.”
Shibasaki’s inclusion will also have consequences for Deine Mariner, who will move back to the wing despite expressing his desire to remain in the centers in the long term. Jesse Arthars will replace Anderson on the opposite wing.
The 22-year-old struggled under the high ball in the early rounds of the season before discovering his best form in successive appearances in his preferred position.
Mariner, who celebrated his 50th NRL game against the Dolphins, ran for a combined 368 meters and made 11 tackles in those two encounters, confirming that he feels he is a better asset for Brisbane’s squad at centres.
“Obviously, I played there all through my elementary grades. I always feel comfortable at center and enjoy it,” Mariner said.
“I think I’m confident in my movements defensively and I know I can get my speed back. I just like to touch the football and I think you find the ball in the center more and carry the ball better there.”
“[But] “At the end of the day, it’s what’s best for the team and I trust Madge and her judgment.”
The Broncos confirmed the re-signing of hooker Cory Paix, who will start at No.9 against the Titans on Tuesday, on a two-year contract until the end of 2028, while Payne confirmed Haas has been named to make a comeback from a shoulder concern.
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