Broncos star hospitalised in worrying blow; Roosters unleash scary new tactic — NRL Daily

The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed that star forward Corey Jensen has been hospitalised with a blood clot on his lung adding to their growing injury list that already includes Ben Hunt, Payne Haas and Reece Walsh.

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Rushed to hospital following the club’s victory against the Wests Tigers, Jensens remains under observation and a timeline has yet to determine when he will return to the field.

“Following Saturday night’s game, Corey Jensen was also sent for scans which has revealed a pulmonary embolism,” a statement from the club read.

“Jensen remains in hospital and the recovery time is unclear, but he is expected to miss several weeks.”

The news on Jensen comes as Payne Haas (MCL) and Jesse Arthars (interosseous membrane) both suffered injuries against the Wests Tigers and will be unavailable for this week.

Meanwhile, centre Kotoni Staggs (plantar fascia strain) remains in doubt for this week’s clash against the Bulldogs.

“ Both Staggs and Arthars are working with the Club’s medical staff to determine their return to play timelines,” the statement continued.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS UNLEASH NEW TACTIC

One set of six late in the first half at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon should have the rest of the NRL on notice.

There were plenty of burning issues at the Roosters over summer, with plenty of focus on what would happen to emerging talent Hugo Savala once veteran playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans officially signed from Manly.

Savala and his booming boot played a key role in the Roosters’ push to the finals last season, but it was clear that there wouldn’t be a spot for him in the halves this year.

It led to questions over whether he would shift to the forwards, come off the bench or simply leave the club for more opportunities.

In Sunday’s game against the Knights, he answered all those questions and more with a brilliant display that included a try double and shutting down Dane Gagai in defence.

But it was one set with less than five minutes to go in the first half that highlighted the evolution of his role in the team when he moved from left centre and went looking for the ball at first receiver that bamboozled the defence and should’ve resulted in a try to Mark Nawaqanitawase, who put a foot in touch.

“I think that was an outstanding set of play,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson beamed after the game.

“He goes down there, has a look down the short side, he sort of hesitates just behind the ruck … I’m not sure whether Sammy (halfback Sam Walker) said something or not.

“And then he plays two really clear plays about getting us into a point and then creating the opportunity on the next one. I love the fact that he had the confidence to do that, and then he also had the style of play to do that as well.

“I thought he was so good today out there at left centre and doing the role that he’s been asked to do there.”

It’s easy to play it safe on an edge when you’ve got Walker and Cherry-Evans calling the shots, but the confidence Savala showed is scary for rival teams.

“I saw Sammy take the hit-up there and go, and I just thought it was a good opportunity to get my hands on the ball and create a little bit of space for the boys out wide,” he explained.

“Honestly, it wasn’t trained all week; it was just off the cuff. I did that role last year, so I thought it would be a good time to use that.

“Teddy (skipper James Tedesco) and the leadership group give you a lot of confidence.

“A lot of the young boys get a lot of confidence from doing the reps in the week. They have the belief in all us young boys to do what we do. I’m just doing my job out there, and they believe in me, so I can just do my role and do it well.”

Savala, 24, has played the past two games at left centre with Billy Smith out injured. Robinson and the senior players clearly believe in his talent, with the towering utility content with biding his time until an opportunity in the halves arises.

“You just play your best football and stuff comes off the back of it,” he said, willing to play wherever he’s required heading into Saturday’s Anzac Day clash with the Dragons.

“I’m just working hard and still working on my skills. I’m still working on my kicking at training and my ball playing, but the majority of the time at training, I’ve been doing the role that I needed to do on the weekend.

“Robbo’s big on mindset and how you prepare for the game. He’s been really clear with us as a group, and I’ve been clear knowing that I’m playing left centre this week. That’s the role that I have to play.

“Obviously, there’s a half and a five-eighth inside me, but I was playing left centre today and that’s the role I was doing.”

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