The Melbourne Storm are pivoting their recruitment strategy toward Brisbane Broncos’ Gehamat Shibasaki after a high-profile attempt to land North Queensland Cowboys’ Jaxon Purdue ended in a lucrative extension for the youngster. The move highlights the ongoing challenge facing Craig Bellamy’s side as they navigate a period of significant roster upheaval and seek to secure the next generation of playmakers.
In a significant win for the Cowboys, the 20-year-old Purdue has committed his future to North Queensland, signing a four-year extension worth a reported $3 million that keeps him at the club until the conclude of 2030. The decision is a blow to the Storm, who viewed the versatile utility as a potential successor in the halves, but Purdue’s desire to remain in his home region and his pursuit of a specific positional role proved decisive.
The Storm’s interest in Shibasaki arrives at a critical juncture. The Broncos’ premiership winner is off contract at the end of the season and is currently playing on a league-minimum salary. For a player of Shibasaki’s caliber, a move to Melbourne could offer both a significant financial upgrade and a guaranteed pathway into a starting role within one of the league’s most disciplined systems.
Craig Bellamy (L) and the Melbourne Storm are reportedly keen on Gehamat Shibasaki (R) from the Broncos. Image: Getty
The cost of positional preference
The pursuit of Jaxon Purdue was not limited to Melbourne; the Bulldogs and Perth Bears were also reportedly in the hunt for the young star. For the Storm, Purdue represented a strategic hedge against the eventual departure of Cameron Munster, who is entering the twilight of his career. With Tyran Wishart set to join Perth next season, the Storm viewed Purdue as a natural fit for the five-eighth role.
Though, the allure of the No.1 jersey in North Queensland outweighed the offer from Victoria. While Purdue has spent much of his time at centre and five-eighth, the Cowboys view him as their long-term fullback. This is particularly pertinent as current fullback Scott Drinkwater, though under contract until 2027, has been linked with a move to the Dragons.
Melbourne’s inability to offer the fullback role was a primary hurdle. With Sua Fa’alogo designated as the long-term solution at the back for the Storm, Purdue would have likely been relegated to the halves—a move that didn’t align with his immediate career goals.
Jaxon Purdue (R) will likely be North Queensland’s long-term fullback.
(Getty Images)
“I have always loved this club. I grew up supporting the Cowboys and to be able to put on the jersey each week is special to me and my family,” Purdue said. “I love living in North Queensland, this is home. I am still able to see my best mates and family regularly, which makes me happy and when I’m happy, I’m playing my best footy.”
Navigating a roster in transition
The Storm’s current interest in signing a Broncos star comes amid a broader period of volatility. The club is facing an exodus of established talent and the retirement of cornerstone players. The loss of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona marks the end of an era for the club’s physical and attacking identity.
The attrition continues with Jonah Pezet heading to Parramatta in 2026, and both Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney slated to join the Bears in 2027. Will Warbrick has committed his future to the Warriors, leaving a void in the outside backs that the club is desperate to fill.
While the Storm have missed out on several high-profile targets recently—including Cooper Bai and Zac Lomax—they have managed to secure long-term stability in other areas. The signings of Jamayne Isaako and Oryn Keeley from the Dolphins for the 2027 season provide a light at the end of the tunnel, though they do little to solve the immediate needs of the 2025 and 2026 rosters.
Could Gehamat Shibasaki end up at the Melbourne Storm?
Storm Roster Movement Summary
| Player | Status/Destination | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Papenhuyzen | Retired/Left NRL | Immediate |
| Jonah Pezet | Parramatta Eels | 2026 |
| Tyran Wishart | Perth Bears | 2026 |
| Jamayne Isaako | Joining Storm | 2027 |
The Shibasaki Opportunity
For Gehamat Shibasaki, the prospect of moving to Melbourne is as much about professional growth as We see about financial security. Having already tasted premiership success with the Broncos, he possesses the winning mentality that Craig Bellamy prizes above all else. His ability to slot into the centres or provide cover in the halves makes him a versatile asset for a Storm side currently lacking depth in the outside backs.
The recruitment of Shibasaki would signal a shift in the Storm’s approach: moving away from chasing “young guns” like Purdue and instead targeting proven winners who are undervalued by their current clubs. In a salary-cap environment where every dollar is scrutinized, landing a premiership-winning centre who is currently on a minimum wage contract is an efficient piece of business.
The next few weeks will be critical as the NRL season winds down and players off contract begin to finalize their movements for the new year. Whether Shibasaki chooses the familiarity of Brisbane or the structured ambition of Melbourne will likely be determined by the final details of the Storm’s offer.
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