Broncos coach Michael Maguire has dropped a bombshell on the eve of the finals, axing Queensland Origin centre Gehamat Shibasaki for Thursday night’s clash with Melbourne.
The 27-year-old, who has been in career-best form with 15 tries this season, was ruled out after turning up to training under the effects of alcohol following a night out on Sunday.
Maguire referred the matter to chief executive Dave Donaghy before making the call, with Brisbane’s senior leadership group also backing the decision.
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The demotion sees Deine Mariner move into the centres, Jesse Arthars recalled on the wing, and Shibasaki relegated to the extended bench.
‘Dealt with internally’
In confirming the omission, the Broncos issued a statement: “Gehamat Shibasaki has lost his spot in the starting line-up for Thursday night’s game against the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium. This follows a breach of Broncos team standards, which has been dealt with internally.”
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The timing is striking. Just last week, Shibasaki spoke of how he was savouring his second chance at Red Hill after a turbulent career. “I can’t believe the year I’ve had. This is the first time I’ve put a full season together. I am more mature now. Before, I was a young athlete and didn’t know how to be a true professional. I took it all for granted,” he told this masthead.
But Maguire, renowned for his uncompromising standards, has shown even his in-form Origin stars aren’t immune. The Broncos’ hopes of ending a 19-year premiership drought will now continue without their most prolific tryscorer on Thursday night.