Xavier Willison Set to Sign Huge Broncos Extension Despite Agent Switch

Brisbane forward Xavier Willison is poised to sign a three-to-four-year contract extension worth nearly $4 million with the Broncos, despite recently switching management to Ahmad Merhi, the agent representing Souths-bound Payne Haas, Fox Sports reported. The unexpected change in representation sparked immediate speculation that the 24-year-old might follow Haas out of the club, but Willison has verbally indicated to Broncos management that he plans to remain in Brisbane.

Willison is currently under contract until the end of next season. While he is not expected to formalize the new agreement before the official free agency window opens on November 1, club bosses do not believe Willison and his management team intend to negotiate with rival clubs.

Willison Claims Player of the Year Honors

The retention effort follows a breakout campaign for Willison, who secured the Paul Morgan Medal as Brisbane’s player of the year last month, breaking a multi-year dominance of the award by Haas. With Haas departing, Willison is positioned to anchor the Broncos’ forward pack alongside captain Pat Carrigan and incoming recruit Mitch Barnett.

Willison’s strong club form also translated to the international arena, earning him selection in the New Zealand squad for the Rugby League World Cup.

I never thought that I would be here. Just to be looking around at the people in the room, it’s pretty surreal. We’ve got lots of high-calibre players, some played in the grand final the other weekend, and some have won four or three premierships at Penrith. I’ve definitely got a very good spot to learn off for me.

Xavier Willison

Dragons Target Jack Bostock for 2028

Meanwhile, the St George Illawarra Dragons are preparing a significant recruitment push to lure Jack Bostock back to the club if the Dolphins cannot secure a contract extension with the outside back. Bostock enjoyed a career-best 2026 season, transitioning to the centres before earning a State of Origin debut and a selection in Kevin Walters’ Australian squad for the World Cup.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Dragons powerbrokers have targeted a marquee outside back for the 2028 season, placing Bostock at the top of their wish list if he enters the open market when the November 1 free agency window opens. The Dolphins are eager to retain the flyer, who developed through the Illawarra Steelers junior system, though the club faces potential salary cap pressures with teammate Herbie Farnworth also coming off-contract.

It’s still getting figured out now with my manager and the Dolphins. Obviously being in here doesn’t help the cause, but my manager’s on to it all, so whatever happens we’ll finalise soon.

Jack Bostock

November Free Agency Window Looms

The Dragons are projected to have substantial salary cap flexibility ahead of 2028, with senior players such as Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Moses Suli, and Kyle Flanagan expected to leave the club. St George Illawarra has already secured several incoming players for next season, including Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Connor Watson, Luke Metcalf, and Kodi Nikorima.

Both Willison and Bostock will navigate their respective contract futures as the November 1 free agency window approaches, with official negotiations and final decisions expected to take shape once the Rugby League World Cup concludes.