But Willison was adamant he did not seek to do anything different.

“I got that starting opportunity and really wanted to go out there and prove myself. I really just stuck to my normal game, just with more minutes I guess – run hard and tackle hard,” Willison said.

“That was my time to step up. I was spewing in the first bit of the preseason, but I feel like it’s paying dividends in our game now.

“I feel like we’ve all grown and can all step up when we get the opportunity. I think I can still show myself, however long I’m out there for, but I’m trying to push for that starting spot as well.”

The challenge now for Willison will be replicating his heroics, as Brisbane dare to dream of a top-four berth.

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Once Haas returns from his Origin exploits with New South Wales, he will need an ally to ease the workload he carried to keep the Broncos’ season alive after it threatened to derail on the back of six defeats from seven games.

But according to his close friend, former NRL champion Sonny Bill Williams, the 25-year-old’s off-field ordeals will ensure he does not relent.

Haas’ family life has been well-documented, with both his parents currently incarcerated – his father facing drug-related charges in the Philippines, which he denies, and his mother for her involvement in a car crash that killed three people.

Williams – who predicts Haas will become “the most-capped Origin player of all time” – believes those personal struggles, as he also cares for his siblings, have shaped him into the leader, for Willison and the young Broncos, that he is today.

“The greatness that is Payne is he has the mental attributes to back up his physical God-given gifts,” Williams told this masthead ahead of his boxing bout with Paul Gallen on July 16.

“When I watch middles, I’ll watch if they’re tiring, and you watch if they’re doing the things people don’t see, and he does that.

“His 80 per cent sprinting is other forwards’ 100 per cent, so he can sit at that level and still look great, then when he has to push it, he can.

“These types of guys don’t need mentors, but it’s just good to know I’ve walked that path and anything they may be struggling with, I’m always there to help.”

Sonny Bill Williams on Payne Haas

“The powerful thing about Payne is you look at what he’s done for his family, what he’s gone through and how he’s held the fort – it takes a special human being to be able to live up to those standards.”

Willison’s evolution comes at a critical juncture in the Broncos’ future, with Hetherington joined by Corey Jensen, Fletcher Baker, Jaiyden Hunt, Jack Gosiewski and Cory Paix as forwards unsigned beyond 2025.

Tyson Smoothy will head for the Super League next year, and Martin Taupau has already left.

Speaking after Broncos training, which included a surprise visit from former Wallabies star Quade Cooper, Hetherington hinted his extension was nearing.

“I’ve let my manager sort all that out, but I want to be a Bronco. I’ve been here my whole career, but I haven’t signed anything yet,” Hetherington said ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Titans.

“It’s looking good at this point, but anything can happen.”

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