Broncos Salary Cap Squeeze Puts Stars Shibasaki and Arthars at Risk
Brisbane Broncos stars Gehamat Shibasaki and Jesse Arthars face uncertain futures at the club due to severe salary cap constraints. Both players are currently off-contract and must prove their worth in upcoming matches, including the Round 7 clash against the Wests Tigers, to secure new deals. The Broncos have limited financial space after re-signing Cory Paix and Antonio Verhoeven, with negotiations also ongoing for Tom Duffy and Billy Walters. Shibasaki, seeking a significant pay rise from his current $160,000 deal to over $500,000 following his representative success, has attracted interest from four other clubs but prefers to stay. Arthars, filling in at fullback for the injured Reece Walsh, is on shakier ground after falling out of favor with coach Michael Maguire last season, though he has held preliminary talks with the Gold Coast Titans. Despite the financial pressure, Maguire has expressed a strong desire to retain both players, praising Arthars' leadership and Shibasaki's professional attitude during recent challenges. The situation highlights the difficult roster management decisions facing the premiership-winning club as they navigate the 2026 season.
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Broncos Salary Cap Squeeze Puts Stars Shibasaki and Arthars at Risk
Brisbane Broncos stars Gehamat Shibasaki and Jesse Arthars face uncertain futures at the club due to severe salary cap constraints. Both players are currently off-contract and must prove their worth in upcoming matches, including the Round 7 clash against the Wests Tigers, to secure new deals. The Broncos have limited financial space after re-signing Cory Paix and Antonio Verhoeven, with negotiations also ongoing for Tom Duffy and Billy Walters. Shibasaki, seeking a significant pay rise from his current $160,000 deal to over $500,000 following his representative success, has attracted interest from four other clubs but prefers to stay. Arthars, filling in at fullback for the injured Reece Walsh, is on shakier ground after falling out of favor with coach Michael Maguire last season, though he has held preliminary talks with the Gold Coast Titans. Despite the financial pressure, Maguire has expressed a strong desire to retain both players, praising Arthars' leadership and Shibasaki's professional attitude during recent challenges. The situation highlights the difficult roster management decisions facing the premiership-winning club as they navigate the 2026 season.
theaustralian