Broncos' Injury Crisis Escalates with Jensen Hospitalised
The Brisbane Broncos' injury woes have escalated beyond a mere crisis, plunging the team into a dire situation as prop Corey Jensen has been hospitalised with a blood clot in his lung. The 32-year-old forward flew back to Brisbane following the team's narrow 21-20 victory over the Wests Tigers and was immediately admitted to hospital after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.
"Jensen remains in hospital and the recovery time is unclear, but he is expected to miss several weeks," the Broncos confirmed in an official statement, highlighting the severity of his condition and the uncertainty surrounding his return to the field.
Key Players Sidelined with Serious Injuries
Compounding the Broncos' troubles, fellow prop Payne Haas suffered a significant knee injury during the first half of the match in Campbelltown. Subsequent scans revealed a grade-three medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, which will sideline him for an estimated six to eight weeks. This development is particularly devastating for both the Broncos and the New South Wales State of Origin team, as Haas will be unavailable for the series opener.
In addition, fullback Jesse Arthars was injured in the same clash and has been diagnosed with a tear to his interosseous membrane in his leg, as detailed in a Broncos statement. Meanwhile, centre Kotoni Staggs played through the Tigers match while injured, but scans later confirmed a plantar fascia strain in his foot. The Broncos have expressed uncertainty regarding the return timelines for both Staggs and Arthars, further complicating their roster management.
Team in Flux Ahead of Crucial Match
With a total of 13 players either ruled out or in doubt, the Broncos' lineup is in a state of flux as they prepare to host Canterbury on Friday night. Hooker Cory Paix is set to return from a one-week concussion absence, providing some relief. If Arthars is unable to play, fullback Hayze Perham is being considered for a starting role against his former club, having performed well off the bench during Arthars' injury against the Tigers.
Prop Va’a Semu, who was named on the bench but did not feature in the Tigers match, is now in line for his NRL debut. Additionally, 19-year-old centre Antonio Verhoeven is a logical replacement for Staggs if he is scratched from the lineup. The Broncos are scrambling to assemble a competitive side amidst this unprecedented injury crisis, which threatens to derail their season aspirations.
