Rugged young North Queensland Cowboys Toyota Cowboys forward Corey Jensen says he’s thrilled to be back in the National Rugby League frame after getting a taste of the big time earlier in the season.
Jensen – a product of the club’s Elite Pathways program – made his NRL debut in Round 7 against the Dragons and played subsequent games against the Knights and Eels before shifting back to the Queensland Cup with the Townsville Blackhawks.
But Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess’s selection in the Queensland Maroons for State of Origin II has opened the door again for Jensen, who is ready to stride confidently through.
“There’s definitely a big opportunity there, Coops and Hessy have been huge for us this year and thoroughly deserve to be in that Origin team,” Jensen said.
“You get more confidence with each appearance and I’m sure it’ll be the same for me on Saturday night.”
Jensen said he told debutante Kyle Laybutt to simply go out and enjoy the experience, as your first NRL match only comes around once.
“He’ll be fine, I’ve played a lot of footy with him at the Blackhawks and he’s talented … he’ll get to start and get straight into it, whereas I used up a bit of energy on the bench waiting,” Jensen said.
Saturday 17 June, AAMI Park:
Gates open 3pm / NYC 3.10pm / NRL 5.30pm
