At the age of 32, Corey Jensen’s decorated National Rugby League (NRL) career has been cut drastically short after medical specialists delivered a devastating ruling that the premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos front-rower must retire from contact sport effective immediately.
Jensen first began experiencing unexplained illness after the Broncos’ Round 7 victory over the Wests Tigers earlier this season. Further diagnostic testing soon confirmed the serious diagnosis: multiple pulmonary embolisms, or blood clots, had developed in both of his lungs. In a bid to clarify his condition and explore paths back to the field, the prop consulted leading specialists across Australia and internationally, who ruled out any underlying autoimmune disorder as the root cause of the clots. The bad news, however, remained: Jensen will require lifelong treatment with blood-thinning medication, a regimen that rules out any future participation in high-impact contact rugby league.
Jensen’s NRL journey began as a late-blooming prospect with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2017, where legendary coach the late Paul Green gave him his debut opportunity. After honing his craft for five seasons in Townsville, he made the switch to the Brisbane Broncos in 2022, and capped his career just one year later by helping the club secure the 2023 NRL premiership title.
Reflecting on his sudden career end in an official statement, Jensen noted the bittersweet nature of his current situation. “Due to circumstances and medical advice from not just specialists here but from specialists internationally, the recommendation is that I can’t continue playing contact sport,” he said. “Since I’ve been able to train properly again, it’s been like a mini pre-season and I can do everything other than the contact which is the frustrating part. Overall, my health’s pretty good, I can continue training in the future and it’s not going to affect me in any way.”
Jensen also paid tribute to the two clubs that shaped his career, singling out the Cowboys and the late Paul Green for giving him his breakthrough opportunity. “I was a bit of a late bloomer, so I’m grateful they took a punt on me and I have to acknowledge how much the Cowboys did for my career,” he added.
Broncos senior leadership have been unanimous in their praise for the hard-working, selfless prop, who built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable front-rowers and a key supporting foil for star forward Payne Haas, who is set to depart the club at the end of the 2024 season.
Broncos head coach Michael Maguire highlighted Jensen’s outsized impact on the club’s culture and success. “Corey is an outstanding professional who lives the Broncos’ standards every day, he’s a high-quality individual and puts the team ahead of himself in everything he does,” Maguire said. “He is perfect for the culture here at the club and he helps build sustained success, his record shows that. His greatest qualities are his care for his teammates and his ability to always make someone else better.”
Troy Thomson, Brisbane’s general manager of football operations, echoed those sentiments, saying Jensen’s legacy at the club will extend far beyond his playing days. “Corey is the definition of a professional, he has an incredible work ethic, humility and commitment to his teammates,” Thomson said. “Watching him fulfil his dream of winning a premiership last year was incredibly special. Even throughout this incredibly challenging period, Corey has continued to contribute to our football program, and has shown immense growth in that area while supporting staff and players with the selfless attitude he’s always shown. He will forever live on the walls of the Broncos from what he’s been able to achieve, and the players and staff members he’s been able to inspire.”