Newly resigned Brisbane prop Xavier Willison has set his sights on a starting position as the make-up of the pack under new coach Michael Maguire takes an intriguing turn.
The 22-year-old, known affectionately as X, has signed until the end of 2027 while workhorse forward Kobe Hetherington will stay at the NRL club after Maguire told him that he would not be released for 2025.
Hetherington, who can play on an edge or in the middle, had been given permission before Maguire arrived to speak to other clubs about a possible move next season before his contract had expired.
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Now that he is staying it has made the race for starting forward positions, along with bench slots, more of a contest.
The Broncos started Corey Jensen and Payne Haas in the front-row in 2024 with Australia forward Pat Carrigan at lock. The back-row was the domain of Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura, when fit.
The club’s 12th place this year has turned up the heat on all players to be at their best and earn their positions.
Willison, who mostly came off the bench in his 19 games in 2024, is aiming high.
“I want to go further. The goal is to push for that starting spot next year,” he said.
“I have just got to have a good pre-season and work really hard.”
Hetherington, 25, played a career-high 23 games in 2024 but only started in three of them.
His manager Chris Haddad told AAP that the request for a release boiled down to his desire “for more minutes and a starting position”.
Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra were among two clubs keen on the rugged forward but they were not able to offer a deal as no release was forthcoming.
Maguire has been up front and Haddad said Hetherington would rip in to training under the new mentor.
“I have known Madge (Maguire) for 14 years and he is straight to the point with everything and a great coach,” Haddad said.
“Madge said he just wanted a chance to work with Kobe for the next year and that he was not releasing him. The Broncos also do not have a suitable replacement. Kobe is happy to stay.”
While lock is his best position, Hetherington can play in the second-row and he will keep the heat on Riki and Piakura.
The Broncos have rising prop Ben Te Kura, 20, back at training after injury ruined the back end of his rookie season.
Veteran Martin Taupau also re-signed for 2025 and will also be in the mix for a spot in the 17.
