Broncos star back as Jensen plays for his future
Joel Gould |
The return of Brisbane prop Payne Haas from a skin infection has come at just the right time in the wake of young gun Xavier Willison’s broken arm.
Haas was on a drip in hospital last Thursday night to treat a cut on his leg that got infected and missed the 60-14 win over South Sydney but he’s back in business for the away showdown with high-flying Melbourne.
Thursday night’s clash is a test of sixth-placed Brisbane’s premiership credentials as they target a spot in the top four.
It is also another chance for off-contract 31-year-old prop Corey Jensen to shine and showcase why he deserves a new deal.
Jensen is in his fourth season at the Broncos and has played 80 games for the club.
The salary cap for next year is tight but Jensen wants an extension.
“We are still working on that but … hopefully I can get myself sorted and stay for a couple of years and keep building,” Jensen said.
“I am hoping I will be able to stay around. It’s looking good where we are going in the future. There is a lot of young, great talent.”
Haas’s return will be crucial at AAMI Park on a night when the Storm get rampaging prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona back from a two-game suspension.
“He will be right to go,” Jensen said of Haas.
“It was a good chance to have a re-set. He’s had a few bumps and bruises along the way but he doesn’t like missing games.
“He’s probably the best front-rower in the game so to have him mentally and physically fresh is going to be a huge against Melbourne for us.”
Brisbane’s front-row stocks are skinny. Ben Te Kura (foot) is also out of action while veteran Martin Taupau was released by the club mid-season.
Rookie front-rower Ben Talty has done everything asked of him in his three games. The 26-year-old has scored two tries and won all three of his games off the bench since signing mid-year.
Also prop Fletcher Baker has made a comeback from injury for Burleigh after a 10-week absence.
“Fletcher had a bit of a neck issue but had his first game of Queensland Cup on the weekend and from all reports pulled through and will be available if called upon,” Jensen said.
The Broncos are also without back-rower Brendan Piakura (concussion) against the Storm due to his 11-day stand down.
Jensen said the Broncos “got a lot of things right” against the Rabbitohs, including being patient and getting in the grind early before putting the foot down in attack.
They will likely need even more against the Storm at a venue where the Broncos have not won since 2016.
“We are under no illusion they are a great side and even better at home so it will be a good test for us and a nice gauge of where we are at,” Jensen said.
AAP
