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Brisbane's Corey Jensen admits some players are "a bit nervous" ahead of a three-day, police-style NRL preseason boot camp under new coach Michael Maguire
Michael Maguire will learn plenty about his Brisbane crop on a three-day, police-style boot camp that has players bracing for "tough stuff".
The Broncos were leaving for a preseason camp west of Brisbane on Monday that shapes as a defining exercise under the club's new NRL coach.
The South Sydney premiership-winning mentor left his post as NSW Blues coach to take up the role from Kevin Walters.
Brisbane were beaten in the 2023 grand final but otherwise missed finals in three of the last four seasons under Walters.
Ezra Mam's nine-game suspension after he was charged over an off-season head-on traffic collision has ensured the heat is on the under-fire club.
"No idea what's going to come for us," veteran prop Corey Jensen said of the camp on Monday.
"It'll be a good chance to bond together as a group and no doubt there'll be a bit of tough stuff going on."
It's understood the camp is designed for police to test their leadership qualities, mental strength and ability to operate under duress.
"I think there's a few boys that are a bit nervous; a few of the young guys that haven't probably experienced this kind of thing," Jensen said.
"A few of the boys have been trying to get around and find out what's going to come, but no one really gives you too much.
"So you've just got to expect the unexpected and go out there and give it your best, do it together.
"It's another chance for us to be leaders among the group too and help those younger blokes out."
Maguire's arrival has naturally created competition for spots, with Pat Carrigan's potential move from lock to accommodate Kobe Hetherington threatening Jensen's starting berth.
"It's awesome; competition within the group just brings out the best in everyone," front-rower Jensen said.
"I want that the starting spot just as much as anyone else out there.
"Competition just makes you want to train harder and work harder for each other.
"That's what we're doing this preseason, so I'll continue to do that."
