Broncos centre recalled as Walsh suffers injury scare

1 week ago 3

By Joel Gould

September 9, 2025 — 12.23pm

Brisbane centre Gehamat Shibasaki is set for a recall for the away qualifying final with Canberra as star fullback Reece Walsh clutched at a calf in training.

Shibasaki, who made his debut for Queensland this year, was dropped for the 30-14 win over Melbourne last week after he was affected by alcohol at training following a boozy night out.

All eyes will be on Reece Walsh after an injury scare at training.

He did his time and trained at his familiar centre position on Tuesday. He will replace winger Jesse Arthars, who was with the reserves at training.

Deine Mariner will switch back to his familiar wing slot.

Captain Adam Reynolds will take another week off as he makes his way back from a hamstring injury.

Walsh was the centre of attention before Sunday’s crunch showdown, as the in-form fullback reached for his left calf while training and sat out 20 minutes. He rejoined the group, let rip with a left-foot kick and then walked into the team gym.

He was being assessed by medical staff as the side continued to train.

Shibasaki has enjoyed a breakout season and is a huge man. He will be crucial as he marks dangerous Raiders centre Matt Timoko.

Shibasaki has shone in defence this season. He did a great job marking NSW gun Stephen Crichton in the State of Origin decider.

Before the team was announced, half Ben Hunt said the players would welcome him back in a heartbeat if coach Michael Maguire went that way.

“He’s had an exceptional year. He knows he made a huge mistake last week and we have moved on now,” Hunt said.

“We are in the finals. We will move on and back whatever decision Madge (Maguire) makes, whether that is Gehamat in or not.”

Maguire had the senior players’ backing to drop Shibasaki initially. The Broncos have enacted an unofficial booze ban, much as the club did in 2006 in the run-up to their last title win.

“There is no straight line in the sand that we are not drinking but it is an [unwritten law] that ‘we are off the drink, boys’,” Hunt said.

“No one has come out and said it but I think it is common knowledge that we are in the finals and it is time to knuckle down and go after it.”

AAP

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.