A star's visit - The Fiji Times

BRISBANE Broncos prop forward Xavier Willison has traded the intensity of a memorable NRL season for smiles, laughter and a special visit to children at Lautoka Hospital.

The 2026 Paul Morgan Medal winner visited the hospital’s children’s ward yesterday, bringing Brisbane Broncos merchandise and a welcome moment of joy to 22 children admitted at the time.

For Willison, the visit was more than just a holiday stop.

It came days after the 24-year-old New Zealand international was recognised as Brisbane’s Player of the Year following a standout season with the Broncos.

“After getting the medal and coming to visit I guess this is a timely visit, it’s good to come and see them.

“It’s good to see these kids, dropping off some goodies for them, it’s good,” Willison said.

The towering forward was joined by his family during the visit, with his young daughter also spending time playing with some of the children.

Willison said the visit had been a special part of his family holiday in Fiji after a demanding season in Brisbane.

“It’s been a long season in Brisbane, but it’s good to finish up now and come for holiday and go to hospital and show my partner and my kid,” he said.

The visit also provided Willison with an opportunity to connect with the local community and share some of the success he has enjoyed on the rugby league field.

He thanked the Lautoka Hospital staff for allowing him and his family to spend time with the children.

“Thank Lautoka Hospital staff for allowing us to come to the hospital and visit and my daughter played with some kids too, we loved it,” he said.

Willison’s visit carries added significance given the journey that has taken him from junior rugby league in New Zealand to becoming one of the NRL’s emerging forwards.

Born in Hamilton, Willison has remained closely connected to his Māori and Cook Islands heritage throughout his career.

Before representing the New Zealand Kiwis, he proudly played for the Cook Islands and Māori All Stars, carrying his Pacific identity onto the international rugby league stage.

His pathway to NRL football was not without setbacks.

Willison joined the Broncos system as a teenager after playing junior rugby league for the Whatawhata Wolves and made his NRL debut in 2021.

Just three matches into his first-grade career, however, he suffered a serious ACL injury that forced him into a lengthy rehabilitation.

He returned through Queensland Cup before fighting his way back into the Broncos side.

His persistence was rewarded in 2025 when he became part of Brisbane’s NRL premiership-winning team and later made his Test debut for New Zealand against Tonga at Eden Park.

Xavier Willison (third from left) and family with staff members of Lautoka Hospital yesterday. Picture: Supplied