Live Now : Uncertainty Surrounds Forward’s Future at Brisbane……….
The Brisbane Broncos will enter a new era next season following the departure of Kevin Walters as head coach, but a key member of their forward pack might no longer find himself there.
Moving from the interchange bench to the starting team throughout this season, Xavier Willison was one of the few positives to take away from the club’s season after they missed out on reaching the 2024 NRL Finals.
Standing at an impressive 199cm and 114kg, the Cooks Islands international has shown that he can make an immediate impact on both ends of the field and has even been likened to teammate Payne Haas.
Contracted for a further 12 months, several teams are eyeing Willison and the Broncos may have trouble keeping him around due to salary cap problems, per The Courier-Mail.
This is mainly because his salary is approximately $250,000 a season, which is way below the wage he is playing at – he is on this due to only playing 11 games in three seasons due to injuries.
It is understood that the front-rower is seeking a big pay rise, and Brisbane may not have the funds available to give him what he wants. This could see him become the latest player to leave, following Thomas Flegler, Keenan Palasia, Kurt Capewell and Herbie Farnworth.
The 22-year-old would have no problem finding potential suitors after a breakout season saw him score three tries, make 38 tackle busts and 433 tackles and average 104 running metres per game in 19 matches.
However, according to the publication, the club is confident they will be able to secure his signature and keep him at the club on a long-term basis.The Brisbane Broncos face a pivotal moment as they transition into a new era without head coach Kevin Walters. Amidst this change, the future of young forward Xavier Willison remains uncertain. Willison, a rising star in the Broncos’ forward pack, has made a significant impact in the 2024 season, despite the team’s failure to make the NRL Finals. Standing at 199cm and 114kg, the Cook Islands international has proven his value, particularly after stepping into a starting role this season. His versatility and ability to perform on both ends of the field have drawn comparisons to star teammate Payne Haas.
Currently contracted for one more year, Willison is reportedly seeking a significant pay increase, as his current salary of $250,000 doesn’t reflect his breakout season performance. With the Broncos facing salary cap constraints, retaining Willison could be a challenge. Several other teams are said to be monitoring the situation, eager to secure his talents.
However, despite the financial hurdles, the Broncos remain optimistic about retaining the 22-year-old for the long term. Should they manage to re-sign him, Willison could become a key figure in the club’s rebuilding phase, following the departures of other forwards like Thomas Flegler and Keenan Palasia.As the Brisbane Broncos prepare for a transitional period under new leadership, the future of their dynamic young forward Xavier Willison has become a focal point. After an impressive 2024 season, where Willison shifted from the interchange bench to the starting lineup, his contributions on the field have caught the attention of both the Broncos and rival clubs. Despite missing the finals, Willison was one of the bright spots for the Broncos, standing tall at 199cm and weighing 114kg, and showcasing his potential as a powerhouse in the forward pack. His physical presence, coupled with his high work rate, has earned him comparisons to star prop Payne Haas.
Willison’s rise has also raised questions about his value within the team. With only 11 games played in his first three seasons due to injury, Willison was on a modest salary of $250,000 per year. However, his recent form – scoring three tries, breaking 38 tackles, making 433 tackles, and averaging over 100 running metres per game in 19 matches – has made it clear that he is playing well above that pay grade. As a result, the 22-year-old is reportedly seeking a significant pay rise to reflect his current standing as one of the team’s key contributors.
This presents a challenge for the Broncos, who are already feeling the strain of salary cap pressures. The departure of several key players, including Thomas Flegler, Kurt Capewell, Keenan Palasia, and Herbie Farnworth, has given the club some financial room, but it remains unclear whether they can meet Willison’s demands. With several NRL clubs circling, keen to take advantage of the Broncos’ potential cap issues, Willison’s future in Brisbane is far from guaranteed.Despite the uncertainty, the Broncos remain hopeful they can secure Willison on a long-term deal. His potential as a cornerstone of their forward pack makes him a valuable asset, especially as the team rebuilds in the post-Walters era. Retaining a player of Willison’s caliber could be crucial for the Broncos’ future success, as they look to bounce back and re-establish themselves as NRL contenders. With the 2025 season looming, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Willison remains in Brisbane or becomes the latest young talent to leave the club.