Haas heir puts crippling Broncos worry to bed despite agent rumour
Rampaging Brisbane talent Xavier Willison – regarded at Red Hill as the heir to Payne Haas′ throne – pledged his long-term commitment to the Broncos after claiming the club’s top individual honour on Monday night.
In a media opportunity that was music to the ears of Broncos bosses, Willison – who is not yet signed beyond 2027 – suggested it was only a matter of time before a new deal was done after he won Brisbane’s player-of-the-year award.
Xavier Willison. NRL Imagery
The Broncos have been desperate to retain Willison past 2027 after Haas, the best front-rower in the world, inked a three-year deal with the Rabbitohs in a move that rocked the club on the eve of the season.
Intriguingly, last month it was revealed Willison was changing management and poised to bring Ahmad Merhi on board as his agent.
Merhi manages Haas and was the man behind the champion prop’s move to the Rabbitohs, so his association with 24-year-old Willison raised suggestions the Broncos could lose their next gen superstar, too.
But speaking on Monday night, the towering forward all but committed to signing a fresh Broncos deal.
“Definitely,” Willison said when asked if he wanted to re-sign with Brisbane.
“They have given me everything.
“My daughter was born in Brisbane, so I would love to stay here and bring my family up here in Brisbane.
“I love the culture. Between the boys and the staff, we have some of the best connection and the best culture.”
Willison on Monday became the first player to snag a Paul Morgan Medal other than Haas or potential captain-in-waiting Patrick Carrigan since Anthony Milford in 2018.
Haas won an astonishing six club medals, the most of any player in the Broncos’ glittering history.
In Willison, the Broncos have a gun prop ready to take the keys of their engine room.
Xavier Willison of the Broncos celebrates after scoring a try. Getty Images
“Hopefully it’s not too much longer [until a new contract is signed],” he said.
“I am trying to celebrate tonight, and then we will move forward from there.
“I am happy to wait. I am changing my management company now and I believe everything happens for a reason.
“I’m hoping my future is here at the Broncos, so I’m not worried too much.”
Willison also won the Shane Webcke Award on Monday night, as the best forward.
Carrigan took out the Gary Balkin Award, which is voted by the players.
The Broncos will be out for redemption in 2027 after going from winning a premiership to finishing in the bottom four in the space of 12 months.
