**Done Deal: Wests Tigers Secure Brisbane Broncos Forward Xavier Willison in Blockbuster Signing**
In a major coup for the Wests Tigers, the club has officially completed the signing of highly-rated Brisbane Broncos forward Xavier Willison on a blockbuster deal. The Tigers have secured the talented young forward in a move that signals their intent to rebuild and strengthen their pack ahead of the upcoming NRL season.
## **Tigers Land One of the NRL’s Brightest Young Forwards**
Xavier Willison, 21, has been one of the Broncos’ most promising young forwards in recent seasons, showcasing his power, agility, and work rate in the middle of the field. His performances in 2023 and 2024 highlighted his immense potential, drawing interest from multiple clubs. However, the Tigers have won the race for his signature, securing him on a long-term contract believed to be one of the most lucrative deals of his career.
Willison’s addition to the squad provides Wests Tigers head coach Benji Marshall with a dynamic forward who can add size and aggression to their forward pack. With the club eager to move up the ladder after several tough seasons, signing a player of Willison’s caliber is a major statement of intent.
## **A New Chapter for Willison**
After coming through the Broncos’ development system, Willison made his NRL debut in 2021 and steadily established himself as a key contributor for Brisbane. Standing at 190 cm and weighing over 110 kg, the Tongan-born prop has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s best middle forwards due to his ability to break tackles and dominate the ruck.
While Brisbane was keen to retain him, the lure of a bigger role and a fresh
challenge at the Tigers proved too strong. Speaking after his signing, Willison
expressed his excitement about the move.
“I’m really looking forward to this new challenge with Wests Tigers. It’s a great
opportunity for me to take my game to the next level and be part of an exciting
project under Benji Marshall,” Willison said.
## **Tigers’ Recruitment Drive Continues**
The signing of Willison is another step in Wests Tigers’ aggressive recruitment
strategy, as the club looks to turn its fortunes around. With Marshall taking
charge of his first full season as head coach, the club has been active in the
transfer market, targeting top-tier talent to bolster its squad.
The addition of Willison will complement a forward pack already
featuring key players such as Stefano Utoikamanu and Api Koroisau, giving the
Tigers a more formidable presence in the middle of the park.
## **Broncos Face Tough Loss**
For the Brisbane Broncos, losing Willison is a significant blow, as they had viewed him as a key piece of their future
forward pack. However, salary cap constraints and the depth in their squad
meant they were unable to match the Tigers’ offer.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters acknowledged the departure, praising Willison’s contributions.
“Xavier has been a great part of our squad, and we wish him all the best in
this next chapter of his career. He’s got a bright future ahead of him,” Walters said.
## **Looking Ahead**
With pre-season preparations already underway, Wests Tigers fans will be
eager to see how Willison integrates into the squad and whether his presence can
help propel the club back into finals contention. His combination of size,
power, and work ethic makes him a player to watch in 2025 and beyond.
For now, the Tigers have pulled off one of the biggest signings of the off-season, and
the NRL world will be watching closely to see if Willison can live up to the hype in his new colors.
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