Brisbane Broncos forward Xavier Willison is close to locking up his future on a long-term, big-money deal.
The forward is off-contract at the end of 2027, and able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 this year.
While reports in recent times have suggested he is set to hit the open market, and one even speculated the South Sydney Rabbitohs were getting ready to make a play that would have linked him up with departing teammate Payne Haas, News Corp has now revealed Willison is in the advanced stages of talks with the Broncos.
The prop is rated as one of the best young players in the game, and his form this year is set to be rewarded, with the deal on the table from Brisbane understood to be around the seven-figure mark.
The Broncos' salary cap is stretched, but the departure of Haas has given them wiggle room, and they intend to use it on Willison in a deal that will see him remain in the Queensland capital for years to come.
It's understood a four-year deal through to the end of 2031 could be agreed to ahead of the November 1 deadline, although nothing is likely to be officially announced until the players are back from leave given clubs are technically not allowed to talk to their players during this period.
Speaking to News Corp from the Broncos player awards - where he won club player of the year - Willison was clear in his thoughts.
“I definitely want to stay,” Willison said.
“They have given me everything.
“I love the culture. Between the boys and the staff, we have some of the best connection 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.”
Willison will likely move into the starting front row on a permanent basis next year alongside the arriving Mitch Barnett, with Patrick Carrigan to continue at lock for Michael Maguire's side.
The coach will need plenty out of the middle third rotation after a disastrous 2026 campaign where the defending premiers fell to the bottom four.
Maguire has been given backing by the board in Brisbane, but will be under the pump heading into 2026.
