Broncos star Corey Jensen on living apart from wife

Brisbane Broncos player Corey Jensen and wife Shannen share the highs, lows and struggles with long distances in their relationship.

Corey Jensen and his wife Shannen. Picture: Annette Dew

Brisbane Broncos player Corey Jensen, 30, and his wife Shannen, 30, a veterinarian, share the highs, lows and struggles with long distance throughout their six year relationship.

COREY JENSEN

How did you meet?Grade 8 at high school, we were in the same form room.

What was the first thing you noticed about her?

Her eyes and smile. Shannen was always dedicated at school and was very driven.

When did you first know it was love? Everything just feels normal and perfect with Shannen. We both have very similar traits and beliefs. She’s my biggest supporter and motivator but also my harshest critic and I love that.

What was your most standout date?
Because we live apart, anytime we are together and get to go out for dinner it’s
a special time.

What is the most romantic thing she has ever done for you?

Shannen isn’t a very big romantic person, so to be honest just her supporting me and motivating me to be the best version of myself is what I love about her. She’s down to earth and will tell you how it is, which I really admire.

Brisbane Broncos player Corey and wife Shannen Jensen open up about their relationship. Picture: David Clark

What is the secret to a happy relationship?Compromise. We have lived apart for a large portion of our relationship, both pursuing our dreams and we respect that. As hard as it does get, we think of the bigger picture and know we are doing this to be able to set up ourselves and our family in the future.

Who puts the bins out?Me.

What do you argue the most about?

I generally cook but making the decision on what to cook is challenging.

What do you find the most annoying about each other? I can’t say I find anything annoying about Shannen, but she will probably say when I don’t listen.

Who does the most cooking? Me.

What is the trait you like most about her? Where do I start. Shannen is kind, supportive, caring, inspiring. She just brings the best out of me. She’s so driven in everything she does, and she strives to be better every day which I really admire.

SHANNEN JENSEN

How did you meet?We were in the same form room in grade 8 at high school.

What was the first thing you noticed about him?Corey was quiet, and we didn’t get to know each other until later in school when our friendship groups merged. I did notice that he was very driven and when we started talking, how kind he was.

When were you most vulnerable in your relationship?We’ve been together 14 years and we’ve spent six of them living apart. Our current arrangement is the longest stint. Corey moved to Brisbane at the end of 2021 to pursue his contract with the Broncos; I stayed in Townsville to pursue my own career. While it’s been challenging, we’re focused on setting ourselves up.

Brisbane Broncos player Corey Jensen with his wife Shannen on their wedding day in October 2018. Photo: Vicki Miller Photography.

When did you first know it was love?

I wouldn’t say there was really a defining moment for me. We survived a year of long distance in our final year of school and when I moved to Townsville for university, we moved in together. I couldn’t really imagine life being any different from that point. It was just so normal.

What is the most romantic thing he has done for you?I don’t have a romantic bone in my body, so Corey knows better than to do extravagant things. I just appreciate the small things he does all the time.

What is the secret to a happy relationship? Compromise. We both accept and respect the decision we have made to pursue our careers in different postcodes. This comes with significant challenges, but we remind each other often about our end goal and do our best to compromise both ways. It’s certainly not easy but we make it work!

Who puts the bins out?Corey.

What do you argue most about? Usually, Corey not listening or forgetting I’ve told him something and having to repeat myself!

Who does most cooking?

Corey when we are together.

What is the trait you like most about him?Corey is always thoughtful and patient, but I think his determination is my favourite trait. Throughout his career he has faced so many challenges, but this always makes him more determined to work harder to achieve his goals.

Originally published as Broncos star Corey Jensen on living apart from wife