NRL 2025: Stephen Crichton insists Blues won't target Gehamat Shibasaki

The Australian

03-07-2025

Blues centre Stephen Crichton has downplayed the notion that his side will go after Gehamat Shibasaki next week when the Maroons centre makes his State of Origin debut with the series on the line.
Shibasaki has earnt his spot on the back of three-straight try doubles for the Broncos, with Queensland coach Billy Slater opting to bring him in after he moved Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback to replace the injured Kalyn Ponga.
Slater could have easily brought Reece Walsh in to play fullback but has instead backed Shibasaki to get the job done against arguably the best centre in the world.
The pair met earlier this year when Brisbane ended Canterbury's six-match winning streak to start the season, with Shibasaki scoring one of their six first-half tries when Crichton was trapped at marker in defence.
The Bulldogs skipper has nothing but respect for a guy whose NRL career was at a crossroads last year, with the Blues to have a significant advantage in experience out wide with Latrell Mitchell up against Roosters rookie Robert Toia.
'Not really,' Crichton replied when asked if NSW would target the Origin debutant.
'I feel like there are two parts to the game – the physical side and the mental side.
'It's mental all the way up until game day for me as I try to get my role right at training before putting it out on the field.
'The physicality comes because it's Origin, it's game three and it's a decider as well.
'He's such a good player. I feel like he's been playing his best footy the past couple of weeks leading into his Origin selection.
'There is going to be a lot of talk around it, but I feel like the Origin arena brings out the best in everyone regardless of whether you haven't played a game because you're always going to turn up and play your best.'
Shibasaki has scored more tries this season than he has in the rest of his NRL career combined, with the powerful centre no stranger to the Maroons jersey having worn it several times in the junior ranks.
He played three matches for the Queensland under-20 team, while he also lined up alongside Zac Lomax in the centres for the Junior Kangaroos back in 2018.
He has been the constant on the left edge for a Broncos team that has made several changes to the backline, but teammate Payne Haas will switch his respect for animosity when they square off next week.
'I'm super proud of him,' the Blues prop said.
'He came in (to the Broncos) on a train and trial (deal) and worked his backside off to get to where he is now.
'I'm really proud of him, but I will hate him next Wednesday.' NewsWire
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