Signings watch: Parker's major concern over star Bronco

After claiming his first Paul Morgan Medal this season, Xavier Willison has continued to establish himself as a key part of the Broncos’ future.

But with the star prop coming out of contract next year and still yet to sign an extension, Corey Parker has expressed his concern.

Despite a poor year for the 2025 premiers who finished 14th, the 24-year-old enjoyed an incredible 2026, earning him the Broncos’ highest individual honour by scoring seven tries while averaging 124 run metres in his 24 appearances.

With Payne Haas going to South Sydney, Willison is set to play an even more important role within the Broncos forward pack alongside new recruit Mitch Barnett going into 2027.

Coming out of contract at the end of next season, the Broncos have been keen to re-sign the 24-year-old, having offered a multi-year contract worth $1 million per season.

But it’s been reported that the New Zealand representative will test the open market, making him available to speak with other NRL clubs from November 1. That is despite saying only a month ago that he wanted to remain at Red Hill in the long term.

With still no signature on the offer, the Broncos legend believes there are now alarm bells ringing with the club desperate to avoid losing another key forward.

“Now, it's alarming for a number of reasons,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“He's a young guy, he's obviously playing for the Kiwis at this point in time. He has been offered a contract, a multi-year contract estimated around a million dollars a season.

“If he's put it on hold, what's he waiting for?

“That's a concern, that's a big concern for me. It's a million dollars.

“That's enormous, so he's either a) wanting to test his value on the open market, which means he's not happy with the mil and I wanna leave, or b) he's playing the game to the nth degree and wants the Broncos to up their price.”

The Broncos are adding Jonah Pezet, Shawn Blore, Dane Gagai and Mitch Barnett to their roster for 2027 while losing notable names in Payne Haas, Jesse Arthars, Gehamat Shibasaki, Adam Reynolds and Grant Anderson.