Signings watch: The Bronco that must be 'priority one' for re-signing

With the Broncos looking at their roster for 2027 and beyond, Corey Parker has named the player that the reigning premiers need to re-sign.

It’s been a disappointing season for Brisbane, who have struggled to recapture the form they displayed in 2025, having lost their last eight matches to sit 14th on the ladder.

Coupled with the losses of Payne Haas to South Sydney next season, Adam Reynolds to retirement and Jesse Arthars to the Catalan Dragons, there are growing concerns around the club’s ability to contend in future years.

The Broncos have ensured they will replace Haas’ void by signing Mitch Barnett from the Warriors to maintain their quality in the forward pack.  

But Parker believes their next priority must be to re-sign Xavier Willison.

The prop has been a consistent member within the side, having run for 120 metres per game alongside 34 tackles across 16 matches.

And with the signing of Barnett, the 23-year-old’s presence can provide another element to the club’s forwards.   

“Xavier Willison hasn't re-signed at this point in time,” Parker noted on SENQ Breakfast.

“I've made mention before he'd be priority number one (to re-sign).

“They're getting Mitch Barnett, but he (Willison) is certainly somebody you would love to have on board.”

The two-time New Zealand representative is contracted with Brisbane through to 2027, making him available to speak with rivals from November 1 if he remains unsigned.

The Broncos will kickstart Round 20 when they travel to CommBank Stadium in a preliminary final rematch against the Panthers on Thursday night.

SEN will have live commentary of the match from 6pm AEST with NRL Countdown, which then splits into Broncos Radio for SENQ and SEN League for all other stations in NSW and QLD from 7pm (except SEN Track Sydney or Kingaroy & Nananago).

Both calls can be heard on the SEN app.