Jensen sticking around
BRISBANE has continued its $5 million retention drive with NRL grand final prop Corey Jensen the latest Bronco to ink a new deal.
The quiet achiever of Brisbane’s forward pack, Jensen has agreed terms on a two-year extension in a further boost for the Broncos ahead of Friday week’s premiership opener against the Panthers in Sydney.
Jensen, who played in the Cowboys’ 2017 grand final loss to Melbourne, was offcontract at season’s end, but he has committed until the end of 2025 in his quest to drive a premiership revival at Red Hill.
A number of Broncos have shown faith in the club’s title vision, with the likes of Corey Oates, Selwyn Cobbo, Deine Mariner, Pat Carrigan, Ezra Mam, Kobe Hetherington and Cory Paix signing new deals over the past 18 months.
Now Jensen has followed suit, his new Broncos deal sweet reward for a 2022 season that saw the 29-year-old produce the best football of his career.
He played 18 games, averaged 113 running metres and posted a 95 per cent tackle efficiency in a fine first season at the Broncos after leaving the Cowboys with his career in limbo.
“It’s great to sign a new deal, I really wanted to stay here so it was good to get something done,” Jensen said. “I was off-contract at the Cowboys and I felt I needed a fresh start to rejuvenate my career.
“I came to the Broncos to test myself and freshen myself up. Leaving North Queensland took me out of my comfort zone, so it was an eye-opener for me and I always felt I had more to give in the NRL.
“It was a new beginning, I wanted to earn the respect of the boys down here.
“I believe I had my best season in the NRL last year and it basically came down to the change of clubs and my attitude to get better.”
Such was his form, Jensen dislodged Queensland Origin prop Tom Flegler from the top 13, starting in 10 consecutive games, impressing with his workrate and reliability.
Walters said Jensen, a veteran of 76 NRL games, would play a key role in his middle rotation as the Broncos chase a finals berth this season.
“We are delighted that he is staying with us for another two years,” Walters said.
“Corey is the kind of player we want at the heart of what we are building here at the Broncos and he will play an important role for us in the seasons ahead.”
Jensen said he was keen to emulate Broncos frontrow legend Shane Webcke and become a regular starter in the engine room.