Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Xavier Willison contract talks are set to deliver Brisbane Broncos a major boost, with the New Zealand international reportedly close to signing a three-year extension at Red Hill.
The deal is expected to be worth $950,000 a season and would keep Willison at Brisbane Broncos until at least the end of 2030, removing him from the open market before November 1.
The move comes in a huge week for rugby league, with the State of Origin decider bringing back rare Brisbane memories for New South Wales Blues.
Broncos Move Early On Willison
Brisbane Broncos have endured a poor 2026 season and sit second last on the NRL ladder, with their premiership defence almost over.
That makes Willison’s expected commitment a major list call for club powerbrokers, including Dave Donaghy.
The new deal would reportedly make Willison the second highest-paid player at Brisbane Broncos, behind star fullback Reece Walsh.
It is a big price, but Brisbane Broncos had little choice given Payne Haas is set to join Wayne Bennett at South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027.
Life After Payne Haas Begins
Willison has not always been at his best in 2026, but the 23-year-old forward still has the size and power to become a long-term leader in the middle.
He has already played 67 NRL games for Brisbane Broncos since debuting as a teenager against North Queensland Cowboys in 2021.
Willison has also played every Brisbane Broncos game so far this season, a point that matters for a club trying to rebuild trust and stability around its forward pack.
Tupou Francis is also viewed as part of Brisbane Broncos’ next wave, although he is yet to make his NRL debut.
Red Hill Needed A Strong Call
With talk around unrest at Brisbane Broncos swirling, locking down Willison would give the club a clear football statement.
The decision shows Brisbane Broncos are preparing for a post-Haas front row built around younger forwards rather than waiting for the market to solve their problem.
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