Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki is being tipped to win a spot in the Kangaroos’ starting backline for the first Ashes Test against England at Wembley Stadium, capping a “crazy, crazy” year.

12 months ago, Shibasaki’s rugby league career was in limbo having just finished a season playing for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup.

At the start of the year, he signed a train and trial deal with the Broncos. Against the odds, he parlayed that opportunity into a starting role in the star-studded Brisbane backline, a debut Origin appearance, a premiership and now the chance to represent his country.

According to Code Sports, Shibasaki and Broncos teammate Kotoni Staggs will be Australia’s starting centres against England next Sunday morning (AEDT).

“It’s been a crazy, crazy season

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