Huge Xavier Willison Broncos update

Brisbane Broncos are now heading into a huge offseason after winning their final game of the 2026 regular campaign.

The Broncos sit 14th on the NRL ladder after the victory over the Bulldogs, a far cry from winning the Premiership in 2025.

Brisbane will lose star prop Payne Haas to the South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of next season, while captain Adam Reynolds is retiring.

It leaves the Broncos down on talent, and even though they have acquired the likes of Mitch Barnett for 2027, they need current stars to step up and more reinforcements.

One player who needs to take his game to another level is Xavier Willison.

The 24-year-old is undoubtedly a rising star in rugby league, and the Broncos need him to develop even further to have any realistic chance of succeeding without Haas.

But there is a big problem developing regarding Willison and his Broncos future.

Willison is yet to sign a long-term contract that would give him $950K per season, with the Broncos having tabled the offer in July.

“We’d love Xavier to stay, and we’ll work through that in the background,” Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy told Code Sports in July.

“Xavier knows the future we see for him at the Broncos. The great thing about Xavier is that he loves the footy club.

“He’s always wanted to play in the Broncos jersey, and he’s living out that dream. He’s really growing and developing as a footballer and as a leader.

“I’m really excited about his future and our future with him.”

This optimism has proven premature. Willison continues to stall on the contract offer, while the front rower has now also acquired Haas’ agent.

A new update also reveals that Willison is now expected to test the market on November 1, meaning he will be able to speak to rival clubs.

The Broncos now look set to see history repeat itself. For fans’ sake, they’ll be hoping that this time an improved offer will see Willison stay rather than depart for pastures new, as Haas did.