Willison player of year, now Broncos must keep him
Joel Gould |
The retention of boom forward Xavier Willison is now a must for Brisbane after he won the Paul Morgan Medal as player of the year.
Towering prop/second-rower Willison was the only Bronco to play all 24 games this season, when he averaged a career high 124m, scored seven tries and was a giant handful for opponents.
In a poor 14th placed finish for the defending premiers, 24-year-old New Zealand international Willison was the ultimate diamond in the rough and now is a priority re-signing in the wake of star prop Payne Haas’s defection to South Sydney.
The Broncos intend for Willison to be a long-term leader of the pack like Haas and play a key role in filling the substantial void he will leave.
Re-signing Willison, who becomes a free agent on November 1, is a waiting game at the moment as he is in the process of changing management companies and won’t be inking a new deal until that move is complete.
Willison, known as “X” by fans and teammates alike, has been linked with joining the Ahmad Merhi management stable. AAP understand he has had discussions with Merhi, who also manages Haas.
Broncos outside backs, Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner, both signed with Merhi a fortnight ago after leaving their previous agencies..
Haas has won a club record six player of the year medals, his latest being in 2025.
Pat Carrigan, who shared the gong with Haas in 2020, won it solo in 2024. So it was a glimpse into Brisbane’s hoped for future when Willison was presented with the prestigious medal, named in honour of late founding director Morgan, in front of more than 800 guests at the The Star in Brisbane on Monday night.
The most asked direct message question by fans to the Broncos on social media this year has been: “When are we re-signing Willison?”
They will have their answer in good time.
PNG would be an option for Willison financially and their entry in 2028 is perfect timing to align with his current contract ending on October 31 next year.
Willison hit his straps last year when he was a key figure in the playoffs, with his try against Penrith in the 16-14 preliminary final win after a barnstorming display a career highlight.
Brisbane forward Pat Carrigan (players’ player), Mariner (best back), prop VJ Semu (rookie of the year) and second-rower Jordan Riki (most consistent) were among other key award winners on presentation night.
AAP