Brisbane forward Xavier Willison once harbored dreams of donning the coveted black jersey as an All Black, but his trajectory shifted dramatically after his inaugural rugby league match.
At the age of 15, Willison caught the eye of Broncos recruitment chief Simon Scanlan during a visit to Rotorua while playing for the Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions. Despite his rugby union background and idolization of Sonny Bill Williams, Willison seized the opportunity presented by a friend to join a rugby league team, eventually leading to his discovery by Scanlan.
Reflecting on his journey, Willison expressed disbelief at his unconventional path to the Broncos after making a significant impact in their recent win over the Dolphins. His childhood aspiration of representing the All Blacks has since evolved into a desire to start for the Broncos and clinch a premiership.
Impressed by Willison’s potential during their initial encounter, Scanlan emphasized the young forward’s dedication to improvement and adaptability to a new sport. Willison’s resilience was evident through setbacks like a labrum tear last year, underscoring his determination to contribute to the team’s success.
Supported by mentors like Ali Brown and Broncos star Payne Haas, Willison continues to hone his skills and adapt to the rigors of professional rugby league. With his commitment to growth and standout performances like his recent display against the Dolphins, Willison aims to fulfill his aspirations on the field, starting with the upcoming clash against Canberra at Suncorp Stadium.