Coach reveals twist of fate behind Origin bolter's shock debut

Had it not been for a tiny baby, Gehamat Shibasaki would be back playing rugby union in Japan and his fairytale Origin selection would never have happened.

Shibasaki's coach at Townsville Blackhawks last season, former Canberra star Terry Campese, revealed the incredible manner in which the journeyman rose to the pinnacle of the game.

"He played in Japan in 2022 and was set to go back when he was cut by the Cowboys for last year," Campese told Wide World of Sports.

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"He had a good offer over there but he and his wife just became parents and she didn't want to pack up and take their young family overseas.

"So they stayed in Townsville last year and was sensational for us at the Blackhawks. He got one game at Souths in the NRL as we are their affiliate club but didn't get many chances.

"He was on a part-time deal with us and employed as a youth worker in the daytime and training with us a couple of nights a week."

Despite playing just three NRL games across two clubs in 2023 and 2024, Shibasaki decided to make a bold crack at earning a deal with the Broncos this past summer.

He was given a $1000 a week train and trial deal but appeared to have little chance of gaining a full time contract in the glamour Brisbane backline.

But, as coach Michael Maguire told Wide World of Sports a few months ago, he just could not cut the quiet achiever.

Despite admitting he knew little about the centre of Torres Strait Islander, Japanese and Palau descent, Maguire quickly became a fan.

"I did know that he'd been here before (in 2018-19), then moved around and lost his way a little… even went to Japanese rugby," Maguire said.

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"He had plenty of work to do to catch up with the rest of the guys but he knuckled down and did it and that impressed me.

"The other thing - he came through the juniors with Patty Carrigan and few of the other boys and they all spoke highly about him - that worked in his favour for sure."

Campese is delighted to see his former centre get his chance in the Origin decider.

"I've been in the game a long time and this has to be one of the great success stories," Campese said.

"It's amazing what he has done and he deserves every bit of success next Wednesday night."