Xavier Willison's contract negotiations with the Brisbane Broncos have gained another layer of intrigue, with the forward understood to be in the midst of a change in management.
Willison is currently working through his management situation as the Broncos continue to negotiate a potential long-term extension for the 24-year-old.
Code Sports revealed the Kiwi representative is seeking to move to Ahmad Merhi, who runs Sportsplayer management agency.
Merhi is the same agent who manages Payne Haas, who secured a lucrative deal with South Sydney following his decision to leave the Broncos.
While Willison works through his management situation, negotiations over an extension at Red Hill are understood to be on hold.
The forward has previously made it clear that his preference is to remain at Brisbane, having declared his desire to spend as long as possible at the club.
“I want to keep (myself) at the Broncos. I want to stay here for as long as I can,” he told the media.
The Broncos will have some salary cap space available following Haas' departure, although the arrival of experienced forward Mitch Barnett will also eat into their room.
Brisbane were also recently unable to match the price being offered by the Perth Bears to lure Corey Horsburgh up north.
The Broncos could ultimately have been keeping some of that money aside for Willison, who has shown considerable long-term promise since establishing himself as an important part of Michael Maguire's squad.
It was revealed last month that Brisbane had offered Willison an extension through until the end of the 2030 season, with the deal understood to be worth more than $900,000 per year.
Despite an injury-ravaged 2025 season, Willison has been monumental for the Broncos' depth this year, playing every position in the forwards except dummy-half.
His versatility, development and ability to fill multiple roles have only strengthened his value to Brisbane, with the club keen to keep him in the squad for the long term.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy previously revealed the club envisions a future with the Kiwi representative.
“We'd love Xavier to stay, and we'll work through that in the background,” he told media last month.
“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.”
With Willison now considering a move to Merhi, his management situation adds an intriguing new element to negotiations as both parties work towards securing his long-term future at Red Hill, or potentially at a new club in 2028.
