Haas’ future at Broncos is clouded, and his decision will have a knock-on effect
While he was used in shorter bursts across the opening two rounds, he has combined for 138 minutes in the past fortnight and admitted there was “no actual plan to how many minutes I play”.
The New South Wales Blues sensation also leads the competition for offloads (17), confirming Maguire had given him “a licence to play a bit freely and express myself”.
Xavier Willison has performed strongly for the Broncos off the bench this year.Credit: Getty Images
His union with Pat Carrigan up front – who shifted from lock and accommodated for Kobe Hetherington – has not only laid the foundations, but simplified the role of Xavier Willison.
Used in 34-minute bursts, the 22-year-old has been tasked with providing impact off the bench – running for 90 metres from seven hit-ups per outing.
His form, and that of Corey Jensen, has kept rookie giant Ben Te Kura on the outer, left to hone his craft for Souths Logan Magpies.
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The 21-year-old, and tallest player to feature in the NRL (205cm), has been limited to roughly 40-minute stints in the Queensland Cup – averaging 90 metres and four tackle busts, while scoring in his past two games.
Brendan Piakura, who returns to the Broncos’ back row following Jordan Riki’s two-game suspension, implored Te Kura to stay patient while awaiting a call-up.
“He’s going to be hard to stop, and he hasn’t hit his full potential yet. I don’t really like using the word ‘potential’, but he can go very far in this game,” Piakura said.
“I think just keep putting his head down is definitely the way to go for Benny. He’s a freak, so let’s see how he is in the next couple of years.”
While the status quo has yielded three wins from their opening four rounds, Willison – signed, along with Te Kura, until 2027 – has declared his intent to force his way into the starting pack.
Ben Te Kura celebrates a late try against the Melbourne Storm during his Brisbane Broncos debut.Credit: NRL Photos
Such a move may require a position opening up – with Hetherington unsigned beyond 2025 – but the hulking Kiwi was adamant he could realise his goal regardless of who remains in the squad.
“I have had a couple of games where I have started, and when the time presents itself, I will be ready,” Willison said.
“It is the next step coming up. I want to get off the bench and hopefully start soon. I have got to keep pushing, and when that time comes, I have got to be ready.”
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