Brisbane Broncos prop Corey Jensen has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby league following a serious health diagnosis. The 32-year-old forward revealed he has been diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms, commonly known as blood clots, in both of his lungs. This condition necessitates lifelong treatment with blood thinners and presents significant risks should he continue playing the demanding sport.
A Difficult Decision Driven by Health and Family
The diagnosis came after Jensen participated in a match against the Wests Tigers in round seven of the current season. Specialists informed him that he would require lifelong medication to manage the blood clots. Jensen expressed the profound difficulty of this decision, stating that the potential for a severe incident, such as internal bleeding triggered by a physical impact, made continuing his career untenable. “It’s become clear it’s no longer safe for me to continue playing rugby league,” Jensen shared, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s been incredibly difficult to come to terms with, but my health and my family’s future come first.”
Despite the personal devastation, Jensen aimed to frame his retirement not as a moment of sadness, but as a celebration of his career. “As tough as today is, I don’t want it to be a sad day. I want it to be in celebration of what rugby league has given me,” he said.
Jensen, who is married to Shannen and comes from a large family of seven siblings, emphasized that his family’s well-being was the paramount consideration. “I feel like if I went to my family (knowing) I made the decision to continue playing with the amount of risks that’s involved in it, and something was to happen, then I wouldn’t be able to live with myself, and I’d be letting them down too,” he explained.
A Career Marked by Premiership Success
Corey Jensen began his NRL career in 2017 with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he was part of their historic premiership-winning team. He later moved to the Brisbane Broncos, accumulating 95 appearances for the club. His contribution to the Broncos’ 2023 premiership victory was significant, forming a formidable partnership in the forward pack alongside teammates Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan.
The decision to retire was particularly poignant given his strong ties to the Broncos club. Jensen informed his teammates of his decision on Wednesday, acknowledging the growth he had witnessed among them. “To my teammates, I’ve watched so many of you grow from young blokes walking into the club straight out of school into husbands, fathers and genuine leaders,” he remarked. “I never chased individual recognition. What I’ve loved most is being part of a team, seeing people grow and knowing that maybe in some way I may have contributed.”
Transitioning Beyond the Field
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire highlighted Jensen’s immediate impact and potential in a post-playing capacity. Maguire noted Jensen’s dedication, observing his early and late hours at the club, assisting with coaching duties and player development. “He’s been the rock of a lot of things that have gone on in the organisation,” Maguire stated. “He’s already jumped straight into coaching, and he’s still here at six o’clock in the morning and six o’clock at night, cutting clips for the players, talking to players. I do see him as a coach at some stage because of what I’ve just seen in a short period of time.”
Initially, Jensen had not envisioned a coaching role for himself. However, he has recently discovered a sense of fulfillment in this new capacity. While acknowledging that his emotions are still very raw, Jensen indicated that he would take time to consider his future path beyond the sport.
Jensen’s retirement underscores the serious health considerations that can impact athletes, even those at the peak of their physical condition. The decision prioritizes long-term health and family security over the continuation of a successful playing career.
