The young Broncos star is set to stamp his mark on the NRL.
Broncos veteran Corey Jensen is expected to miss a number of weeks due to a blood clot with his teammates expecting Xavier Willison to step up in his absence. Jensen was a late withdrawal from the Broncos side to defeat the Bulldogs last week due to a calf injury.
However, it has been reported Jensen endured a blood clot in the calf and will be expected to sit out a number of weeks to recover. And in his absence Willison made his mark on the game against the Bulldogs.
Without Haas and Jensen, Willison stood up and played 68 minutes for his side in the shock victory. The 22-year-old ran for 203 metres and made 43 tackles in a barnstorming effort that saw Michael Maguire’s side comeback from a 16-0 half-time deficit.
Willison has been named to start alongside Haas this weekend, but doubt remains over whether the NSW forward will back-up after State of Origin. Regardless, Willison wants to lock down a starting role in Maguire’s side as he looks to improve on his recent form.
“I got that starting opportunity, so I really wanted to go out there and prove myself,” Willison said. “It was more minutes and I just kept doing what I do usually … run hard and tackle hard. I just think that it was my time to step up.” And his teammates have noticed his recent efforts on the field.
Xavier Willison impresses Broncos teammates
Broncos forward Kobe Hetherington has led the praise for Willison after his game last weekend. Hetherington has been impressed with the 22-year-old’s ability this season and even compared him to arguably the best front-rower in the game.
Xavier Haas we are calling him. He stood up and is killing it with his defence and carries,” Hetherington said. “If he keeps playing like that he will be a wrecking force in the NRL. He’s just got to stay consistent. He is only young and it is scary to think where he can get to.”
Broncos fans may have an exciting forward pack developing with Willison joining elite front-rowers Patrick Carrigan and Haas this year. Despite his recent form, Willison is just taking it one game at a time and is looking forward to the Titans clash.
“It’s another chance to prove myself again and play some big minutes,” he said. “I just have to play my game – what I have been doing – and try not to overthink it.”
Ben Hunt returns for Brisbane Broncos
Ben Hunt has also been named to take on the Titans this weekend. The veteran recruit injured himself against the Rabbitohs and hasn’t played since round 10.
The 35-year-old was playing five-eighth before his injury, but with Ezra Mam’s return the veteran is expected to switch to dummy-half. Having played plenty of No.9 for Queensland in State of Origin, Hunt could add some more experience to the spine, before the utility comes on.
“Everyone knows how good a player he is,” Hetherington said of Hunt. “He is in the leadership group for a reason and brings that leadership, and all us younger fellas get around him. He is such a good talker and is tough as well. We have seen what he has done at Origin playing that hooker role, so if he can bring that back here the boys will be cheering.”
