WONDERKID PICKS AUSTRALIAN RUGBY OVER MEGA-MONEY CODE-SWITCH

Teenage sensation Max Jorgensen has signed with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs until at least 2026 in a massive coup with National Rugby League clubs circling.

Jorgensen burst onto the Super Rugby Pacific scene last year as an 18-year-old scoring two tries on his debut paving the way for a promising season that would earn him a spot in Eddie Jones’ Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad.

However, an untimely injury robbed the teenager of making his debut for the Wallabies and sent him out of the tournament.

The son of former Wallaby Peter Jorgensen was then viewed as a major target for rugby league club the Sydney Roosters, who have already lured Waratahs speedster Mark Nawaqanitawase to switch codes after 2025.

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Best for development

Jorgensen believes that staying in rugby union is the right move for his development especially with next year’s British & Irish Lions Series and the 2027 World Cup down under.

“I couldn’t be happier to commit my future to the Waratahs and Australian Rugby,” Jorgensen said. “The game has a lot to look forward to in this country in the coming years, and I am excited by the prospect of being a part of it.

“I am really enjoying my footy, and I believe this is the best place for me to continue my development – for me, it is all about working hard and trying to earn opportunities at the Waratahs, and hopefully the Wallabies.”

Rugby Australia director of high-performance Peter Horne was ecstatic to keep the young talent in rugby union.

“Max is a promising young player and we’re very pleased he’s committed to Australian Rugby for a further two years,” he said.

“He’s a mature young man, with an encouraging future and Rugby Australia are looking forward to supporting him as he strives to perform well both on and off the field.”

Determined to be successful

Waratahs boss Darren Cole echoed those sentiments and outlined how focused Jorgensen is to achieve success in his career.

“It’s really exciting for both the Waratahs and Australian rugby as a whole to have someone like Max recommit to our sport,” Coleman said. “A player like him obviously attracts a lot of interest, but I know that he’s really motivated to achieve success in his rugby career.

“We’ve all seen what he can do on the field, but Max is also an awesome team member and the boys love having him as a part of our club.

“The Waratahs are very happy to keep Max and we look forward to seeing him progress in the sky blue jersey.”

2024-03-27T11:49:39Z dg43tfdfdgfd