Corey Jensen’s Journey Through Health Challenges
Brisbane prop Corey Jensen has been open about the uncertainty surrounding the blood clots on his lung as he works towards an inspirational return to action later in the season. His determination and resilience have become a source of inspiration for the Brisbane Broncos, especially after witnessing him doing field work at training alongside winger Deine Mariner.
Mariner, who underwent six operations to save his right leg after developing compartment syndrome, is a testament to the power of perseverance. The sight of both players pushing through their respective challenges is a significant morale booster for the team as they aim to make a late-season push up the ladder.
Jensen experienced flu-like symptoms in the fortnight leading up to the round-seven Wests Tigers match but felt fit enough to play on game day despite a pain in his side. As a 32-year-old with a sports science degree, he was determined to take the field.
However, upon returning to Brisbane, he felt unwell and was taken to the hospital, where it was discovered that he had developed a pulmonary embolism—a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the lung.
Jensen described his ordeal as “a shock” and “a whirlwind,” given the rare nature of the clot and the mystery surrounding its cause.
“I was coughing up more blood post-game,” Jensen said. “I had a CT scan back here in Brisbane, and they thought I had pneumonia. They told me, ‘you need to get to emergency. Your lung is full of blood clots.’”
He spent three days in a rapid decline before being admitted to the hospital for nine days. Fluid was drained from his lungs, which led to a loss of approximately eight to 10 kilograms in body weight.
Jensen, who had a blood clot in his calf last year that was contact-based and different from the ones in his lung, emphasized that his condition was “really serious.” He also highlighted that the mental aspect of his recovery has been the most challenging part.
“The hardest part has been the unknown around everything. I am a sports scientist and understand the human body and how it works,” he said. “They say in a lot of these cases, they don’t understand why you get blood clots. Some people’s bodies are more prone to clots than others. That could be my case.”
Despite the challenges, Jensen, who played a key role in last year’s premiership win, remains focused on his recovery. He won’t be able to do contact work while on blood thinners for three months, but he has not considered retirement.
“They want to make sure the clots are completely gone,” he said. “I am still training as much as I can on the field and keeping my strength and fitness up in preparation to get back.”
His goal is to return and play the last few rounds with the team, hoping to get the all-clear to play. “It would be unreal to be in a position to go on a good run like we did last year and press forward for a late charge. That’s the goal. It is a process I have to go through.”
Jensen is known for being one of the best trainers and model athletes in the NRL, and his proven track record will aid him in his quest. His friendship with Mariner has also provided mutual support.
“To see Deine get up and be running around after the trauma he had to go through is unreal,” Jensen said. “He is doing everything he can to get back out on the field, and same goes for myself.”
