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“We believe in everyone’s ability to step up. Everyone has their own abilities and Payne’s a huge part of our team, but we know that anyone who steps in has their job to play for the team.
“[Willison] has been great every time he’s had to step up – he’s a big body there, and he’s got a good motor.
Xavier Willison could be in line for a recall, after Marty Taupau, Kobe Hetherington and Fletcher Baker lacked punch off the bench until Payne Haas rejoined the contest.Credit: Broncos Media
“He’s a young kid, but he’s really talented, and he’s raring … to go. I’ve got no doubt that if he gets called upon if Payno’s no good, he’ll step up and do the job for the team.”
Hype around the forthcoming clash was always going to centre around the 2023 climax, in which a Nathan Cleary masterclass salvaged the most unlikely of triumphs.
But Brisbane would not buy into it.
“I can’t really say anything about that,” Jensen said.
“We’ve flushed that now, we’re not allowed to talk about that at all.”
“We can’t dwell on last year,” Walters added.
“There’s no ban, we just don’t want to talk about it.”
Jensen has since gone about ensuring he was the man to replace Thomas Flegler, after running for 129 metres in a typically no-nonsense stint against South Sydney.
The 30-year-old, who will play his 100th game this week, appeared the perfect foil for Haas, however was not sighted in the second half of the 28-18 win.
Corey Jensen is determined to bounce back from the disappointment of missing the Broncos’ finals campaign.Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
As Jensen and Haas sat on the sidelines, the Rabbitohs threatened a boilover to level the scores from a 12-0 deficit, as the bench rotation of Marty Taupau, Fletcher Baker and Kobe Hetherington were unable to halt the swing of momentum.
Haas’ re-injection changed that, but Jensen did not believe the bench needed a shake-up.
“I don’t think so, it’s one of those things where Payne has a big presence – he’s going to bring motivation when you’re attacking and is going to put a bit of fear into the defence, too.
“It’s just depending on how the game is going. We’ve got all quality middles, whether they’re starting or coming off the bench.
“I had a good stint when I played the Roosters, so I know I’m capable of playing big minutes if need be, and if Payne doesn’t play everyone is going to have to step up, not just myself.”