Boom teenage forward Xavier Willison has extended his contract with the Brisbane Broncos for another two years, committing to the club until the end of 2025.
The barnstorming young prop – a member of the Broncos Academy since he was 15 – was already signed until the end of 2023 and now has extended with the Broncos for two more years on top of that.
He made an instant impact in his NRL debut this season in the Round 20 win over the Cowboys, charging for six hit-ups in just 14 minutes on the field.
The 19-year-old went on to score his first NRL try the following week against the Knights as well as making 14 tackles in a 17-minute burst off the bench, before another impressive effort in the narrow loss to the Roosters, running for 68 metres from seven hit-ups in just 17 minutes on the field. Across his three NRL games Willison made 32 tackles with none missed.
Willison – who captained Palm Beach Currumbin SHS to the Allan Langer Cup trophy in his final year at school in 2020 – also impressed this season for Broncos Affiliate Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup, averaging 97 running metres and 17 tackles per game.
He has been working his way back to full fitness after a ruptured ACL cut short his 2021 season, making good progress to return to running in recent weeks.
Broncos Head Of Football Ben Ikin said: “Xavier came into our Academy as a 15-year-old from New Zealand and has all the necessary attributes to have a long and successful career in the NRL.
“His work ethic is exceptional and his mental toughness is in the elite category, as has been evidenced by his committed and professional approach to his recovery from a knee reconstruction.
“Xavier made his NRL debut in round 20 this season and is one of the most exciting young forwards in the game, so for him to make this early commitment to the Broncos for a further two years is significant.”
The Broncos are also excited to announce that outside back Delouise Hoeter has been upgraded to a Top 30 NRL contract from a train & replacement contract for the 2022 season.
The 27-year-old – who played seven NRL games for the Wests Tigers in 2015 – had a standout 2021 in the centres for Broncos Affiliate Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Intrust Super Cup, crossing for 11 tries in 20 games as well as racking up 10 try assists and 66 tackle breaks as his team reached the Grand Final.
Delouise is a great example of why you should never give up on your dream
Ben Ikin Football & Performance Director
“He came to the Broncos looking for a chance at 27 years of age and grabbed it with both hands. I’m excited to see what he brings in 2022.”
