BRONCOS BATTLE TO KEEP X-FACTOR
The Broncos lost Tom Flegler to the Dolphins and now Brisbane are facing a battle to keep another promising prop in Xavier Willison.
Sport Confidential can reveal Willison is a man in demand with the athletic front-rower seeking a major pay rise to remain at the Broncos beyond next season.
More than 30 front-rowers are free agents from November and few are as talented as the rising Willison, who is off-contract at the Broncos at the end of 2025.
The 22-year-old was one of the shining lights of Brisbane’s disappointing 2024 campaign, enjoying a breakout season that saw him play 19 games for the Broncos and represent the Maori All Stars.
At 199cm and 114kg, Willison is one of the tallest players in world rugby league and he caught the eye this season with some rampaging bursts that exhibited impressive speed and mobility for a big bopper.
Willison is happy at the Broncos – his preference is to stay at Red Hill – but Brisbane face a healthy upgrade to keep him with NRL rivals watching his progress with interest.
It is understood Willison is on around $250,000 at the Broncos, but is seeking a wage increase on the back of the best season of his injury-plagued career.
The New Zealand-born bookend made his NRL debut in 2021 but played just 11 games in three seasons due a series of injuries, including an ACL tear three years ago that required a knee reconstruction.
The hard-running forward has played 30 games for the Broncos and while he is still developing, Brisbane cannot afford to lose another prop following the departure of Flegler last year.
Flegler quit the Broncos after last year’s grand final to join the Dolphins, leaving a front-row void this season that Willison and Corey Jensen have tried to fill as a partner for No.1 prop Payne Haas.
Willison started five times this season and underlined his talent against the Dolphins in the Battle of Brisbane in round 6, scoring a try, posting six tackle busts and charging for 181 metres in the Broncos’ 28-14 win.
The Broncos have two other props coming off contract next season in Jensen and Martin Taupau, but Brisbane bosses remain confident of securing Willison’s signature.