https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/corey-jensens-off-field-edge-could-be-his-ticket-into-the-starting-17/news-story/34de428c6b3f99d1dfd5764c3861bc5e A BACKGROUND in sport science could be the edge Corey Jensen needs to make an impact upon the NRL’s resumption. There is a calm head on the Cowboy's shoulders, one that has armed him with a degree in sport science as he continues studying towards teaching qualifications. That diverse range of intellect could be his ticket to a regular spot in the North Queensland starting 17. Since his debut for the Cowboys in 2017 the 26-year-old forward has been in and out of the side. He forced his way onto the bench in round one this year, but the returning Josh McGuire relegated him to 18th man duties. Now that every player is in the same boat Jensen said how players used the period of uncertainty coronavirus had created would be crucial should the competition relaunch in 2020. While he admits his qualifications in sport science may benefit his ability to maintain fitness long-term, ultimately each professional athlete worthy of the title would have the same know how. “In some aspects I understand what’s required and what needs to be done, but everyone has been in the game long enough to know what they have to do,” Jensen said.
“We know when we come back whichever club is in the best shape will have the best chance going forward. “It’ll show depending on how long a period you have to train before playing, those players who are more committed to their own training will definitely show up when we go back to playing. “It might give me a bit of an advantage but the knowledge has been passed on to all the players.” Jensen has been in a fortunate position where, even as the pandemic locks the public into isolation, he has been kept busy. Between training, recently moving house and his studies in education he has managed to turn the rugby league hiatus into a positive. Jensen is joined in football limbo by his younger brother Joey, who had just established himself as a starter in the Townsville Blackhawks under-20s side. The rest of the family are scattered, with some still living on their Bowen farm and another Jensen brother stuck in Melbourne. As two young athletes who have their own ways of reaching expectations, the older sibling said they largely trained individually. However Jensen said it had been comforting to have a family member close by who had the same goals to achieve as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. “I’ve always been one that’s been pretty self-motivated but having him there who’s a very similar person is great,” he said. “We have the same goals we want to achieve and keeping each other accountable has been good, particularly having those same ambitions. “I think he would obviously be devastated because he was going really well and managed to jag a starting spot. “He was at a good mindset going into the year so it probably has affected him, but this whole situation has effected everyone in a way.”
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AuthorThis section showcases a collection of some of the work I did covering the North Queensland Cowboys - from match reports, to player features to breaking news. Archives
June 2020
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