Bronco’s career under threat after mysterious medical episode
Broncos player Corey Jensen faces an uncertain future after the club doctor revealed it is still unclear what caused a blood clotting issue that has sidelined him since round seven.
The Broncos on Wednesday released a statement, attributed to the club’s chief medical officer Dr. Matt Hislop, who said Jensen will be treated by a blood thinner called Warfarin for at least the next six months and will be unable to return during that time.
Corey Jensen celebrates a try with Broncos teammates. Mark Kolbe (NRL Images)
The doctor added that Jensen’s future “is a little uncertain” and he may be on Warfarin for the rest of his life.
The premiership-winning front-rower first raised concerns with his health after Brisbane’s round seven clash with the Tigers - a thrilling 21-20 victory for the reigning champions at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Dr. Hislop said that after full-time Jensen was short of breath and felt unwell and later developed chest pain and began to cough up blood. He was taken for a scan, which showed he had significant blood clots that had blocked off arteries in the base of both lungs, and which on the right side was leading to blocked off blood supply to that part of his lung.
He has since been seen by an array of specialists at the Mater Private Hospital in Brisbane but is yet to receive a conclusive diagnosis.
Dr. Hislop said Jensen’s recovery had been complicated by an infection, leading to more than a litre of fluid needing to be drained via a chest tube.
“The big concern is that the reason for developing these clots remains unknown,” Dr. Hislop’s statement said.
Jensen previously experienced deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in his calf about 12 months before becoming ill following the Tigers match.
“Both incidents were considered to be unprovoked, meaning there was no obvious precipitating event or trigger, like a long-haul flight, or even an injury,” Dr. Hislop said.
Jensen is having further tests in July to see if he has an underlying autoimmune issue.
The statement said Jensen had returned to running and weight training, adding that he is currently “quite fit” but being treated by a blood thinner such as Warfarin prevents him from resuming contact work. If it is deemed that he has to continue taking Warfarin long-term it will almost certainly end his career.
Jensen has played 153 NRL games, including 95 for the Broncos, and was a key member of the 2025 premiership team.
