Xavier Willison to head to open market as Broncos face Payne Haas repeat, Zane Harrison, Gold Coast Titans, contract extension, whispers

The Broncos are at risk of losing another star forward after revelations that Paul Morgan medallist Xavier Willison is set to head to November 1 to test his value on the open market.

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News Corp is reporting that the towering forward, who is off contract at the end of 2027, will explore his options despite the Broncos being keen to make him a million-dollar player.

Only as recently as a week ago, it was reported by CODE Sports that Willison told the Broncos he was keen to stay even though he wasn’t officially signing on any time soon.

It doesn’t mean he will leave Red Hill but the fact that he, like so many others, hasn’t officially put pen to paper, will make coach Michael Maguire and new recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan nervous.

The 24-year-old prop has already been offered a sizeable contract by Brisbane, reportedly worth upwards of $1 million a year.

Just weeks ago Willison revealed a change of manager which raised eyebrows.

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He’s now looked after by Ahmad Merhi, who also manages Payne Haas, whom he helped leave the Broncos for Souths from 2027 onwards.

Losing Willison would be a big blow for the Broncos given he was judged their best player in 2026 and is viewed as the long-term replacement for Haas.

Maguire is still confident the club won’t lose the 205cm, 123kg powerhouse forward.

“Yes, those things (a new contract) will get sorted out. I’ve got a very high regard for Xavier and the way he’s developing,” Maguire recently said.

“His award (Paul Morgan Medal win) was really well deserved.

“Xavier loves the Broncos, and he’s very humble and very grateful for what he does. He’s a big part of our plans moving forward.”

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Willison, like so many others, could be tempted by a tax-free deal with the PNG Chiefs.

The 19th franchise has signed up a stack of outstanding backs like Jarome Luai, Joey Manu and Brian To’o, but they haven’t really made a move on a top forward.

Talks with Hudson Young, for the moment at least, have broken down over what his value is on the open market after the Raiders offered him $1.1 million a season.

If the Chiefs offer Willison the same amount, in the salary cap, he will earn an extra $560,000 a year thanks to the tax-free breaks offered in PNG.

Willison made the Broncos confident about retaining him after he won the Paul Morgan Medal as he praised the club.

“They have given me everything,” Willison said.

“I love the culture. Between the boys and the staff, we have some of the best connections and the best culture.

“My daughter was born in Brisbane, so I would love to stay here and bring my family up here in Brisbane.”

SATTLER’S CONFIDENCE IN HARRISON

Gold Coast director of football Scott Sattler says young halfback Zane Harrison is the man to take the club to its first premiership as they fight to secure his signature.

The 20-year-old has been in the news for months as he and the club try to come to an agreement on a contract extension which will include a big pay rise.

Harrison’s agent Sam Ayoub told News Corp last week that he and his client were more than happy to negotiate with the club despite rumours they unhappy.

Harrison is a local junior and the club’s brightest young prospect, but will become a free agent on November 1 if he doesn’t agree to a new deal with the Titans before then.

The boom playmaker has been linked to the PNG Chiefs as their third halfback option behind Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker.

But those two are believed to be keen to re-sign with their respective clubs, which opens the door for Harrison to be offered a long-term, tax-free, deal.

Sattler told News Corp that the Titans are in the box seat to keep Harrison.

“Zane wants to win premierships for this club,” Sattler said.

“Zane is a Gold Coast junior and we would like to think we can offer him an opportunity in the coming years in an environment where he can continue to flourish.

“We know how committed he is to his craft and the relationship between both he and Jayden (Campbell, halves partner) is one that can be very influential for the club in the future.”

It’s believed the Titans are only prepared to offer Harrison about $500,000 per season.

It represent a significant payrise for the 11-game rookie who is currently on just $250,000 a year.

Harrison and his agent want a pay rise next year too, along with one if he extends beyond that.

Ayoub slammed rumours that Harrison was asking for as much as $900,000 a year to stay with the Titans.

“That $900,000 figure has never come from us,” he said.

“The club will have to work out where it came from. I don’t talk about players’ contracts publicly, so I’m not the one claiming such a ridiculous figure.”

Ayoub also said he has not talked to the Chiefs at all, which would be against the rules.