New Zealand’s Xavier Willison Prepares for Test Debut Against Samoa

Xavier Willison, a 23-year-old prop and second-rower, is set to make his debut for the Kiwis against Samoa in the opening round of the Pacific Championships. This comes just days after he celebrated his role in helping the Brisbane Broncos secure their first NRL title in 19 years. The match will take place on Sunday evening at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

Willison, who hails from Hamilton, recently returned from injury to play a pivotal role in the Broncos’ thrilling 26-22 victory over the Melbourne Storm in the grand final. His performance off the bench was instrumental, showcasing his potential as he prepares to square off against his Broncos teammate, Payne Haas, widely recognized as one of the best props in rugby league today. Willison described Haas as “a freak” and “a good role model,” expressing excitement about the unique challenge of competing against him.

The Kiwis’ squad, headed by coach Stacey Jones, features Willison as the sole new cap and only representative from the Broncos. This opportunity comes three years after he made his international debut for the Cook Islands against Samoa in Sydney, showcasing his diverse heritage. The upcoming match marks a significant milestone in his career, as he dons the black jersey for the first time.

Haas, now 25, has made a notable impact since debuting for the Broncos in 2018, accumulating 142 games and earning 17 State of Origin caps for New South Wales. He has recently switched allegiances to represent Samoa, enhancing their prospects leading into the World Cup. Samoa will be looking to secure their first victory over the Kiwis in their sixth encounter, following a heavy defeat in their last meeting two years ago.

This year, Samoa boasts a formidable lineup, including players like Josh Papali’i, Jahrome Luai, and Brian To’o. Their coach, Ben Gardiner, will aim to rebound from a disappointing tour of England last year, where Samoa suffered two losses. In contrast, the Kiwis are eager to improve upon their own disappointing 2024 season, during which they failed to reach the Pacific Championships final after losing to the Kangaroos and Tonga.

Jones emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, stating, “You don’t get many opportunities to wear the black and white jersey, and you’ve got to make the most of it.” Willison has been a standout performer for the Broncos, overcoming a broken arm to deliver impressive performances in critical games. He notably celebrated his 50th appearance for the team with a try against the Penrith Panthers, followed by another strong showing in the grand final.

As he prepares for his test debut, Willison is determined to make an impact on the field. With a height of 1.95 meters and weighing 111 kilograms, he is a formidable presence. His recent performances, including a significant contribution in the grand final where he recorded 146 metres and 17 hit-ups, highlight his readiness for the challenge ahead.

The Kiwis will face Samoa on Sunday, November 2, 2024, at Eden Park in Auckland, followed by a match against Tonga on November 9, 2024. With the stakes high and talented players on both sides, fans eagerly anticipate what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.