Gehamat Shibasaki has been handed a finals reprieve, recalled to Brisbane’s starting side for Sunday’s qualifying final against Canberra at GIO Stadium.
The centre comes back after serving a one-week stand-down for breaching team standards, a decision that forced coach Michael Maguire into a late reshuffle before Round 27.
With his return, Deine Mariner shifts to the wing and Jesse Arthars drops to 18th man.
Broncos reshuffle for GIO Stadium clash
Shibasaki’s reinstatement offers the Broncos both experience and strike power on the edge as they prepare to meet the minor premiers in Canberra. The 26-year-old’s reinstatement also sends a clear message from Maguire: the matter is closed, and attention now shifts to the task at hand.
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The Broncos have also included Jack Gosiewski in the extended squad as he edges closer to overcoming a broken collarbone, while Fletcher Baker and Jock Madden join the reserves. Skipper Adam Reynolds remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, meaning Ben Hunt and Billy Walters again steer the side in the halves.
Canberra, meanwhile, welcome back key names at just the right time. Josh Papalii has been cleared despite an ankle scare at training, and Seb Kris returns in the centres after missing Round 26. The Raiders’ pack is further bolstered by the inclusion of Joseph Tapine and Hudson Young, while Jamal Fogarty reprises his role at halfback.
Kick-off at GIO Stadium is set for 4:05 pm on Sunday, with Ashley Klein appointed as referee.