Talisman tragedy: Maguire broncos facing channels crack down despite tumbling Rabbitohs 34-12 at Suncorp Stadium after multiple new medical reports”, its said that broncos talisman has been included in a tearful huddles as Maguire captured crying after the tragical showdown..here are the sorrowful breakdowns…
Xavier Willison Injury Sours Big Win Over Rabbitohs, but Maguire Bullish on Payne Haas Return
By Peter Badel | August 2, 2025 – 6:45AM
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire is facing a selection headache in the forward pack ahead of next week’s high-stakes showdown with the Melbourne Storm, as injuries continue to mount. The Broncos’ emphatic Round 22 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs was marred by a serious setback, with rising prop Xavier Willison ruled out for up to six weeks with a leg injury.
The Broncos thrashed the Rabbitohs 34-12 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night in one of their most dominant performances of the season. But the mood in the sheds was more subdued than celebratory as Willison, 21, limped from the field with what was later confirmed to be a Grade 2 medial ligament strain. Scans on Saturday morning confirmed the damage, ruling the young enforcer out until at least Round 27, just before the finals.
“It’s a tough one to take,” Maguire said in the post-match press conference. “Xavier has been enormous for us over the last couple of months and was really finding his rhythm. Losing him now, with some big games ahead, is a blow.”
Willison’s injury adds to an already complex situation for Brisbane’s forward stocks. Tom Flegler remains sidelined with a rib cartilage issue, and bench forward Corey Jensen is still recovering from a concussion suffered two weeks ago. However, Maguire delivered some welcome news on the injury front—star prop and Queensland Origin juggernaut Payne Haas has been cleared to return and is expected to take his place in the starting lineup for the Round 23 clash with the Storm.
“Payne’s ready,” Maguire declared. “He trained strongly all week and we’ve had our medical team monitor his recovery closely. He’s fresh and raring to go. He’ll be massive for us next week.”
Haas missed the Rabbitohs game after being hospitalized briefly for a viral infection earlier in the week. While his absence was felt, the Broncos’ forward pack rose to the occasion, led by Pat Carrigan, who racked up 183 run metres and 42 tackles in a powerhouse display.
The Broncos now turn their attention to the Melbourne Storm, who sit just one spot above Brisbane on the NRL ladder. With finals positioning at stake, the Round 23 fixture at AAMI Park looms as one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
Maguire acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“Melbourne in Melbourne is always tough. They’re a side full of experience and class. But I back our boys. I back our attitude. We’ve learned to win in different ways this year.”
The coach hinted at potential changes to the forward rotation in Willison’s absence, with young gun Ben Te Kura likely to be promoted to the 17. Veteran prop Martin Taupau could also see increased minutes alongside Carrigan and Haas.
“We’ve got depth, and we’ve got boys who are hungry,” Maguire said. “Ben [Te Kura] has been pushing hard and we’ll need every bit of energy against a side like Melbourne.”
The Broncos’ win over Souths saw them consolidate their position in the top four, thanks in part to a clinical first-half performance that saw them race to a 20-0 lead within 30 minutes. Ezra Mam, Reece Walsh, and Selwyn Cobbo all crossed for tries, while Adam Reynolds controlled the tempo brilliantly with his kicking game.
Reynolds, who played against his former club, said post-match that the squad was “laser-focused” on a deep finals run.
“This team is growing every week,” he said. “Obviously we’re disappointed for Xavier, but we’ve got full belief in whoever steps in.”
Brisbane’s injury crisis comes at a crucial time of the season, with just three rounds remaining before the finals. But under Maguire’s leadership, the Broncos have shown resilience and adaptability—qualities that will be tested once again in the coming weeks.
The coach’s bullish tone regarding Payne Haas is a major boost for Brisbane fans. The 25-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the game, brings not only size and aggression but leadership and composure in big moments.
“If there’s one guy who can turn the tide in a forward battle, it’s Payne,” Maguire said. “He’ll be ready.”
Despite the injury setback, there’s an air of confidence within the Broncos camp. With finals footy around the corner, Brisbane will need to lean heavily on its experienced heads and rising stars to weather the storm—literally and figuratively—beginning next Friday night at AAMI Park.
Injury Update Summary:
Xavier Willison: Medial ligament strain (knee) – 6 weeks
Tom Flegler: Rib cartilage – 1–2 weeks
Corey Jensen: Concussion protocols – to be assessed
Payne Haas: Cleared for Round 23 vs Storm
Kickoff between the Storm and Broncos is scheduled for Friday, August 9 at 7:55 PM AEST.
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