Jensen in trial match push for regular spot
COWBOYS prop Corey Jensen will use this weekend’s trial match as a case to push for a regular starting spot for the 2019 season.
The 25-year-old is expected to be included in the Cowboys trial squad announced today as they prepare to head down to the Sunshine Coast to play the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.
Jensen has played 35 games off the bench for North Queensland in the past two years, averaging 88.1 running metres.
He now faces a battle for his bench spot, with Cowboys veteran Matt Scott set to be relegated to a bench position to accommodate the recent signing of Brisbane Bronco Josh Mcguire.
Jensen said he hoped to be given the opportunity to play this weekend to make a case as a starting player.
“Definitely, if I get a crack this weekend, I’ll go out there and show what I can do,” he said. “Then if I get called up for Round 1 or whatever round, I’ll take it with both hands.
“We’ve got a very big and experienced pack here, which is good (because) there are people there to learn off.
“It gives you something to strive for and make you better each day, and make you a better player.
“It’s been a very long preseason considering we didn’t make the finals last year. Everyone’s getting itchy feet to get out there and have a game, and it’s finally come this weekend.”
Jensen is entering the final year of a two-year contract extension with the Cowboys after impressing the club’s coaching staff with his strong performances for the Townsville Blackhawks, which he joined in 2015 following his three years with the Cowboys under-20s squad.
He said he had been working on his physicality and strength over the preseason, bulking up to 108kg.
“I’ve just been trying to work on my physical attributes,” he said.
“I’ve put on a few more kilos from last year and I’ll try and hold it throughout the year.”
The Titans are expected to unveil a younger squad for the preseason match to be played at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
DEFINITELY, IF I GET A CRACK THIS WEEKEND, I’LL GO OUT THERE AND SHOW WHAT I CAN DO COREY JENSEN