The NRL side face Rovers at Hull FC’s stadium this evening
Corey Jensen during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session
Brisbane Broncos prop Corey Jensen has already had a warm-up training session with Hull FC, now he hopes the club’s supporters will get behind his team this evening when they face Hull KR at FC’s home ground.
Rovers will make a sold-out MKM Stadium their home for the evening when turning it red and white for their World Club Challenge encounter against NRL Premiers Brisbane. The Aussie side have been in East Yorkshire since Sunday and trained with Hull FC on Monday as part of their preparations for the big game. When out and about they have been on something of a charm offensive.
FC supporters need no motivation to back against their great rivals, which Brisbane are hoping works in their favour. Jensen says the Broncos squad know all about the city rivalry in Hull and while they’re more than prepared to be entering a hostile atmosphere this evening, they wouldn’t mind hearing a few FC fans getting behind their cause.
“I’ve heard all about the rivalry between the two Hull sides so if we can get a few of those FC supporters on our side it would really be nice. It would be good to hear them out there. We’ll take it if we can get it,” said Jensen, with a smile on his face.
“We also know that they love their rugby league here and there’ll be loads of Hull KR supporters – but that’s something we’re looking to embrace, too.
“Everyone is excited and looking forward to what I think will be a great game. I am excited to come over and experience what rugby league is like on this side of the world.”
Brisbane have not made any shortcuts in their preparation for the big game. Having flown into London 10 days ago, they spent six days in the capital training with London Broncos before flying into Humberside airport on Sunday morning to finalise their preparations in East Yorkshire.
Jensen may not be as well known as some of his superstar team-mates like Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds or Payne Hass, but the 32-year-old former North Queensland Cowboys Grand Finalist has become a key part of the Broncos. One of the most successful NRL clubs of the last 40 years, Brisbane will hope to follow in Penrith Panthers’ footsteps and go back-to-back this season.
First, they want to win the World Club Challenge for the third time in the club’s history. They know to do that, they’ll need to play well to get the better of Rovers.
“We’ve watched a bit of Super League so we know Hull KR are a great side and they’ve already started their season so have been able to work out a few things. It should be a good game,” added Jensen.
“We didn’t watch (the York game) but we saw the result and know they’ll be disappointed with how that game went. But we know they’re a great side and most great sides bounce back. What better way to do it than in a World Club Challenge!
“No doubt Willie will have them raring to go and you don’t really need any motivation for these sorts of games.”