Rival's ultimate praise for fairytale Origin debutant
It's why Crichton insists Shibasaki will not be underestimated by NSW, who are set to make the call on Brian To'o's troublesome knee after a crucial training session on Monday night.
With Kalyn Ponga injured and the series on the line, Queensland coach Billy Slater raised eyebrows picking journeyman Shibasaki at left centre and pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback for Origin III on Wednesday.Prior to a breakout season at Brisbane, Shibasaki had floated across four clubs and played 30 games since his 2018 debut, and even left the NRL for a Japanese rugby stint in 2022.
But the 26-year-old's Origin selection did not shock Canterbury captain Crichton, who lined up against him when Brisbane handed the Bulldogs a 42-18 hiding in April.
Shibasaki crossed for one of the Broncos' seven four-pointers that night and is the NRL's equal-third most-prolific tryscorer heading into round 19.
"He's been the top form centre right now in the year so he deserves his opportunity," Crichton said.
"Although probably some people don't know him, he's there for a reason."
Even so, Crichton concedes it will be a lofty task for Shibasaki to help the Maroons snatch the Origin shield come Wednesday night.
Shibasaki lines up against a star-studded Blues backline that features South Sydney champion Latrell Mitchell in the other centre spot.
Himself a surprise selection for game one, rookie Robert Toia joins Shibasaki in a much less seasoned centre pairing for Queensland.
But Crichton insists there'll be no complacency from NSW.
"I don't take any game lightly. You never know when it's going to be your last time in the jersey," Crichton said.
"It's probably a big ask (for Shibasaki), but he's in the team for a reason.
"He's done a lot of things right, especially in the position of centre, (there's) a lot of decision making out there."
Uncapped winger Jacob Kiraz is on standby to come in for Blues gun To'o, who has been managing a knee injury since Penrith's defeat of Canterbury in round 17.
The Blues have been confident all week that To'o and Payne Haas (back) would overcome their fitness issues to play in the decider.
The pair completed light training on Saturday as planned but Monday night's full contact session will be telling.
"I assume they'll do a bit more today and be good to go Wednesday," said Blues forward Hudson Young.
Stephen Crichton has paid shock Queensland debutant Gehamat Shibasaki the ultimate compliment, claiming his opposite man for the State of Origin decider has been the NRL's best centre this year.
It's why Crichton insists Shibasaki will not be underestimated by NSW, who are set to make the call on Brian To'o's troublesome knee after a crucial training session on Monday night.
With Kalyn Ponga injured and the series on the line, Queensland coach Billy Slater raised eyebrows picking journeyman Shibasaki at left centre and pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback for Origin III on Wednesday.Prior to a breakout season at Brisbane, Shibasaki had floated across four clubs and played 30 games since his 2018 debut, and even left the NRL for a Japanese rugby stint in 2022.
But the 26-year-old's Origin selection did not shock Canterbury captain Crichton, who lined up against him when Brisbane handed the Bulldogs a 42-18 hiding in April.
Shibasaki crossed for one of the Broncos' seven four-pointers that night and is the NRL's equal-third most-prolific tryscorer heading into round 19.
"He's been the top form centre right now in the year so he deserves his opportunity," Crichton said.
"Although probably some people don't know him, he's there for a reason."
Even so, Crichton concedes it will be a lofty task for Shibasaki to help the Maroons snatch the Origin shield come Wednesday night.
Shibasaki lines up against a star-studded Blues backline that features South Sydney champion Latrell Mitchell in the other centre spot.
Himself a surprise selection for game one, rookie Robert Toia joins Shibasaki in a much less seasoned centre pairing for Queensland.
But Crichton insists there'll be no complacency from NSW.
"I don't take any game lightly. You never know when it's going to be your last time in the jersey," Crichton said.
"It's probably a big ask (for Shibasaki), but he's in the team for a reason.
"He's done a lot of things right, especially in the position of centre, (there's) a lot of decision making out there."
Uncapped winger Jacob Kiraz is on standby to come in for Blues gun To'o, who has been managing a knee injury since Penrith's defeat of Canterbury in round 17.
The Blues have been confident all week that To'o and Payne Haas (back) would overcome their fitness issues to play in the decider.
The pair completed light training on Saturday as planned but Monday night's full contact session will be telling.
"I assume they'll do a bit more today and be good to go Wednesday," said Blues forward Hudson Young.
Stephen Crichton has paid shock Queensland debutant Gehamat Shibasaki the ultimate compliment, claiming his opposite man for the State of Origin decider has been the NRL's best centre this year.
It's why Crichton insists Shibasaki will not be underestimated by NSW, who are set to make the call on Brian To'o's troublesome knee after a crucial training session on Monday night.
With Kalyn Ponga injured and the series on the line, Queensland coach Billy Slater raised eyebrows picking journeyman Shibasaki at left centre and pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback for Origin III on Wednesday.Prior to a breakout season at Brisbane, Shibasaki had floated across four clubs and played 30 games since his 2018 debut, and even left the NRL for a Japanese rugby stint in 2022.
But the 26-year-old's Origin selection did not shock Canterbury captain Crichton, who lined up against him when Brisbane handed the Bulldogs a 42-18 hiding in April.
Shibasaki crossed for one of the Broncos' seven four-pointers that night and is the NRL's equal-third most-prolific tryscorer heading into round 19.
"He's been the top form centre right now in the year so he deserves his opportunity," Crichton said.
"Although probably some people don't know him, he's there for a reason."
Even so, Crichton concedes it will be a lofty task for Shibasaki to help the Maroons snatch the Origin shield come Wednesday night.
Shibasaki lines up against a star-studded Blues backline that features South Sydney champion Latrell Mitchell in the other centre spot.
Himself a surprise selection for game one, rookie Robert Toia joins Shibasaki in a much less seasoned centre pairing for Queensland.
But Crichton insists there'll be no complacency from NSW.
"I don't take any game lightly. You never know when it's going to be your last time in the jersey," Crichton said.
"It's probably a big ask (for Shibasaki), but he's in the team for a reason.
"He's done a lot of things right, especially in the position of centre, (there's) a lot of decision making out there."
Uncapped winger Jacob Kiraz is on standby to come in for Blues gun To'o, who has been managing a knee injury since Penrith's defeat of Canterbury in round 17.
The Blues have been confident all week that To'o and Payne Haas (back) would overcome their fitness issues to play in the decider.
The pair completed light training on Saturday as planned but Monday night's full contact session will be telling.
"I assume they'll do a bit more today and be good to go Wednesday," said Blues forward Hudson Young.
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