Xavier Willison: Height, Heritage, Contract, and NRL Career

Xavier Willison, the 199cm Māori-Filipino forward for the Brisbane Broncos, does exactly that — makes you stop and pay attention. With a contract extension through 2027 and a growing reputation as one of the competition’s most promising young big men, his journey from Whatawhata to the NRL is a story of raw talent, hard work, and a heritage that bridges two cultures.

Height: 199 cm · Date of Birth: 2 August 2002 · Position: Second-row / Prop · Team: Brisbane Broncos · NRL Appearances: 68 · Tries: 14

Six key facts about Xavier Willison, pulled from official and verified sources:

What happened to Xavier Willison?

Career milestones

• Made his NRL debut in Round 20, 2021, against the Cowboys (Brisbane Broncos)
• Scored his first NRL try the following week against the Knights (Brisbane Broncos)
• Made his Māori All Stars debut in 2024
• Cemented a permanent spot in the Broncos 17 during the 2024 season

Injury and recovery

In 2023, Willison suffered a broken foot that sidelined him for several months. He returned to full fitness by the start of the 2024 preseason and has since built consecutive seasons of consistent first-grade football. According to the Brisbane Broncos official player profile, he recorded 20 appearances and 4 tries in the 2025 season alone.

Current status

As of the 2025 season, Willison is a regular starter for Brisbane, averaging more than 100 running metres per game and 23 tackles at 94% efficiency across 2024 (Brisbane Broncos). He has turned 38 tackle breaks in 2024 and 37 in 2025, underscoring his growing impact as a ball-running forward.

What is Xavier Willison’s heritage?

Māori descent

Willison is of Māori descent, with whakapapa connecting him to the Waikato region. He has represented the Māori All Stars, a selection that honours Indigenous heritage within the NRL and international rugby league. He made his Māori All Stars debut in 2024, adding two caps to his representative resume.

Filipino family

Through his mother’s side, Willison has Filipino heritage. This dual background makes him eligible for both New Zealand and the Philippines at international level. While he has already played senior Tests for New Zealand—three appearances according to Rugby League Project—the Philippines remain a theoretical option if he chooses to represent them in the future.

International eligibility

Willison’s eligibility is a two-way door. He has already debuted for the Kiwis, but the Philippines—a developing rugby league nation—could offer him a path to become a marquee player. No official declaration has been made, but the option remains open.

How tall is Xavier Willison?

Stature in perspective

Willison is listed at 199 cm (6 ft 6 in) by the New Zealand Rugby League. However, the NRL’s official player page records him at 205 cm, a discrepancy of 6 cm. A third-party profile from Zero Tackle also lists him at 205 cm and 123 kg. These differences may stem from measurement methods (with or without boots) or outdated data entry.

NRL height comparisons

At 199 cm, Willison would be among the tallest forwards in the NRL. For context, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is listed at 201 cm, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at 182 cm. Even at the conservative 199 cm, Willison has a clear height advantage over most second-rowers and props.

Three height listings for Xavier Willison across different sources:

Impact on his game

Whether 199 cm or 205 cm, Willison’s height gives him a reach advantage in tackles, offloads, and lineout-style catch-and-passes. His 37 tackle breaks in 2025 suggest he uses his frame to bump off defenders rather than relying solely on footwork. The Brisbane Broncos profile credits him with 2,188 run metres in 2025, evidence that his height translates into effective forward momentum.

How much does Xavier Willison get paid?

Contract duration

On 1 November 2024, the Brisbane Broncos announced that Willison had signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until the end of the 2027 season (Brisbane Broncos). The deal locks in a developing forward who had just turned 22.

Salary estimates

Exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed. For a player with his experience (68 NRL games, 14 tries), typical NRL second-tier contracts range from $150,000 to $350,000 per season. However, the lack of transparency means any figure is speculative. The Broncos have not released financial terms.

What position does Xavier Willison play?

Second-row forward

Willison is primarily a second-rower, playing on the edge of the scrum. His height and mobility allow him to run wide lines and offload in traffic. According to Rugby League Project, he has made 51 NRL premiership appearances, scoring 10 tries in the competition.

Prop capability

He has also shifted to prop when needed, using his size to take on the middle third. The Brisbane Broncos profile lists him as a second-rower, but his versatility is a key asset for the club’s rotation.

Playing style

Willison’s style is built around strong ball carries and offloading. He averaged over 100 run metres per game in 2024 and completed 23 tackles per game at 94% efficiency (Brisbane Broncos). His 38 tackle breaks in 2024 show he is not just a hole-runner but a genuine line-breaker.

Physical and career stats for Xavier Willison:

Timeline

• 2 August 2002 – Born in New Zealand
• 2022 – Made NRL debut for Brisbane Broncos
• 2023 – Suffered a broken foot injury
• 2024 – Made Māori All Stars debut, cemented permanent first-grade spot
• 2024 – Signed contract extension through 2027

Clarity: what we know vs what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Xavier Willison is 199 cm tall (NZRL)
• He was born on 2 August 2002
• He plays for Brisbane Broncos
• His contract runs until 2027
• He has Māori and Filipino heritage
• He has played 68 NRL games and scored 14 tries

What’s unclear

• His exact salary
• His current injury status
• His precise weight
• His marital status

Quotes

“Xavier Willison is a 199cm beast.”

— Facebook post

“The club is delighted to announce that Xavier Willison has committed to the Broncos until the end of the 2027 season.”

— Brisbane Broncos official statement

For the Broncos, the choice is clear: invest in a young forward who has already proven he can handle the demands of first-grade football. With a contract through 2027 and a skill set that blends size, mobility, and work rate, Willison is not just a promising prospect—he is a core building block. For rival clubs, the message is equally clear: watch this space, because the 199cm Māori-Filipino forward is only getting started.

Frequently asked questions