Madge hails Jensen as blood clot ordeal forces retirement

Brisbane Broncos prop Corey Jensen has been forced into announcing his retirement just months after he endured a terrifying blood clot ordeal in his lungs.

The 32-year-old has not played since suffering a pulmonary embolism after the Broncos' win over Wests Tigers on April 18, and now looks to have played his final game of NRL.

While a formal announcement is set to be made at Broncos HQ later this morning, coach Michael Maguire joined SENQ Breakfast to address the situation on Thursday morning.

“Corey, he’s a great human being, and I have huge regard for him so I would like to let him have that time this morning,” Maguire said.

It’s been a rough time of late for Maguire and his team with their hopes of playing finals currently on life support after last weekend’s defeat to the Cowboys which leaves them 14th on the ladder with six rounds to play.

Injuries through the season to the likes of Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh have significantly impacted their title defence and attention now seems to have turned to whether Maguire will use the remaining games to blood some young talent and look ahead to 2027.

“People look at the games we’re playing and where we will end up,” Maguire said. “The players have the hunger to go out and play.

“It’s a fun place to be as a coach and the leaders are ripping in. They’re not happy with what has transpired over the season.

“This year has been an interesting year in that we had one debutant last year, we have used 12 this year.

“Penrith I don’t think they have used more than 23-24 players this season, we’re up to 33, 34. The injuries has changed the cohesion of the group. They’re the moments grabbing us.

“With young players, it’s a patience game. If he has an error, you lose him for a few minutes because his mind starts to wander and he is worrying about the error.”

The Broncos continue their season against the Knights at Suncorp Stadium his Saturday.