Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Broncos get grand final boost as Willison avoids ban
Scott Bailey, AAP • September 29th, 2025 2:18 pm
Xavier Willison will suit up for the Broncos in the NRL grand final after avoiding a ban | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Brisbane prop Xavier Willison is free to play in the NRL grand final after escaping with a fine for his cannonball tackle on Luke Garner.
The news was music to the ears of Broncos legend Shane Webcke, who likened the giant prop to "a tractor".
Willison said he would now get to fulfil a childhood dream.
The Bronco was on Monday morning hit with a grade-one dangerous contact charge, but crucially can pay a $1000 fine and be cleared to face Melbourne on Sunday.
The Broncos prop had placed his availability in jeopardy when he was the third man into a tackle on Garner, and hit the Panthers forward below.
Garner went to ground immediately, and the NRL has come down hard on similar tackles this year given the significant risk of injury.
But Garner was able to stay on the field, potentially aiding Willison's course given the NRL does take injuries into account when determining grading.
Pat Carrigan will also return from suspension for the Broncos in the NRL grand final | Photo: Pat Hoelscher/AAP
Willison's lesser charge will come as a massive relief to Brisbane, given the role he played on return from a broken arm in Sunday's upset win over Penrith.
The 23-year-old's impact off the bench means Brisbane always have a powerful middle on the field, with Payne Haas starting.
Brisbane's pack will also now be at full strength for Sunday's decider, with lock Pat Carrigan returning from his own suspension.
Regarding his cannonball tackle, Willison told AAP "there wasn't much in it".
"That's why I wasn't really concerned," he said.
"It's just great to be playing in my first grand final. It is what I have dreamed about since I was a kid."
Willison scored a try and was sensational off the bench in the 16-14 win in the preliminary final while wearing an arm guard to protect the forearm he broke in round 22.
Four-time premiership winner Webcke, who played with a guard in the 2000 grand final after breaking his arm, said what Willison did against the Panthers was "astounding".
"It was unbelievable really and I am glad he got off," Webcke said.
"You saw what he did against Penrith. He was a tractor. I'm not saying he changed the game, but he did the job that was required.
"That's what you need. The first and most important part about teamwork is getting your own stuff right, and he has got all of his right.
"He kept standing up. What (suspended) Patty Carrigan wasn't there to do, he was doing.
"Now we get Patty back and we have still got him. Imagine the impetus that gives us against Melbourne."
Meanwhile Penrith star Liam Martin was also handed a $1000 fine by the NRL judiciary for a contrary conduct charge, following his role in a fight with Ezra Mam.
