JENSEN TURNS ON THE POWER
Unsung hero Corey Jensen is set to partner Payne Haas in Brisbane’s front row for Las Vegas after a bumper pre-season in which he has smashed records to become the Broncos’ strongest man.
Tom Flegler’s departure to the Dolphins has left the coveted No.8 jumper vacant and Jensen is set to snatch it for Brisbane’s historic 2024 premiership opener against the Roosters in America on Sunday.
Just three years ago, Jensen’s NRL career was at the crossroads at the Cowboys. He had played just 23 games in three seasons and was largely unwanted after starting just once in North Queensland’s dismal 2021 campaign.
The Broncos offered Jensen a lifeline and the move to BrisVegas has paid dividends, with the 30-year-old the front-runner to join Haas in the engine room for round 1 after an outstanding pre-season.
This masthead can reveal Jensen is Brisbane’s king of the gym. The Broncos’ version of Arnold Schwarzenegger is ripped at 107kg and holds two current club records in the back squat (215kg) and chinups (60kg). He is second to Martin Taupau (160kg) in the bench press with a lift of 155kg.
Jensen’s impressive workrate has put Brisbane’s Incredible Hulk in pole position to edge out Taupau and Xavier Willison for Flegler’s starting spot in the Broncos team named on Tuesday for the clash at Allegiant Stadium.
“My goal is to start this year alongside Payne,” Jensen said.
“This is a huge game, it’s a big opportunity for me.
“Tom laid a great platform last year and was one of the leaders in the squad, so if I get the opportunity in this game, it’s up to me to do the job for the team and I feel like I’m ready to go.”
Jensen, who played for the Cowboys in their 2017 grandfinal loss to the Storm, says the three-way fight for Flegler’s position has motivated his performance in the gym.
“I have had to work hard,” he said of his impressive Broncos strength records.
“I was a late bloomer coming through the under-20s and I had to put on a bit of size.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym and it’s paid dividends.
“Even though I’m getting older, I feel I am getting better and stronger.