The Warriors are throwing their support behind a promising playmaker in their Jersey Flegg Under-21s squad whose career is at a crossroads after the shock diagnosis of two incredibly rare blood diseases.
On Friday, Noah Jensen was informed by doctors that he had paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anaemia,meaning he must remain in hospital indefinitely.
PNH is a blood disorder characterised by the destruction of red blood cells, an increased risk of blood clots, and bone marrow failure.
According to the PNH Support Association of New Zealand, there are 22 diagnosed cases on the patient registry in this country, with the average age of diagnosis in the mid-thirties, which is higher than Jensen’s age of 19.
Aplastic anaemia, a bone marrow disorder where the body produces too few new blood cells, is also rare with approximately 10 people are diagnosed with it in New Zealand each year.
Jensen’s now facing intense treatment, including a bone marrow transplant and daily transfusions.
After being in the wider S.G. Ball Cup (Under-19) squad last year, Jensen made his debut this season, playing in eight of the team’s nine games in the halves and at hooker and was later promoted to work with the Jersey Flegg team.
Warriors Jersey Flegg coach Grant Pocklington told the Herald the news came as a huge shock, sharing that he even played in a Māori league tournament just days prior to finding out the devastating news.
“He’s a tough young man and to find out that, that he was crook, was a bit of a surprise,” Pocklington said.
“He’s very dedicated and disciplined around what he does. He plays tough with great smarts down the short side.
Noah Jensen. Photo / Photosport
“With his commitment, he was definitely heading in the right direction.”
A Givealittle page has been set up to raise funds to help the family and medical costs, which likely won’t be covered otherwise. In two days, over $14,000 has been raised.
The page, set up by his auntie, Angela Streat, said Jensen is being well looked after by doctors and nurses.
Warriors Jersey Flegg coach Grant Pocklington. Photo / Photosport
“We are still in so much shock with the news,” a blurb on the page said. “He will be going through some really intense treatment and has already.
“The treatment is also very expensive and Noah will be having bone marrow transplant with daily blood and platelets transfusion. We are very much in the unknown at the moment.”
The page adds that Jensen has been brave and strong and is ready to fight.
“He has been in our system for some time and was a key contributor to our S.G. Ball side this season as well as being part of our Under-21 Jersey Flegg Cup squad.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
