Before Max Jorgensen put pen to paper to join rugby, the schoolboy sensation’s father, Peter, had a conversation with then-England coach Eddie Jones about the XV-player game.
Jorgensen senior, who played two Tests for the Wallabies against Scotland in 1992 before a cross-code switch where he played for Eastern Suburbs and Penrith, was doing his due diligence about Australian rugby.
Intent on getting another voice, he picked up the phone and spoke to Jones – a former teammate at Randwick. Jones confirmed the conversation when approached by The Roar.
The conversation likely played a contributing factor in Jorgensen opting to choose rugby over the NRL, with the talented back hotly pursued by the Roosters particularly.
New Australian coach Eddie Jones spoke with Max Jorgensen’s father ahead of the schoolboy sensation signing a deal with the Waratahs. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
Soon after Rugby Australia celebrated the little win.
“It’s always great for us to be able to keep the most exciting prospects in the game of rugby,” RA CEO Andy Marinos said after the teenager signed a two-year deal with the Waratahs.
“Max has shown himself to be one of those special young players in schoolboy rugby, and we are thrilled that he agreed to continue his blossoming career in the game with the NSW Waratahs.”
Soon after, Jorgensen, 18, was taken as a development player on the Australia A tour of Japan.
He impressed several current Wallabies, The Roar understands.
Max Jorgensen could feature in Super Rugby in 2023. Photo: Supplied
Once he returned to the Waratahs, he continued to shine and left many blown away by his silky running lines and ability to create something out of nothing.
Even before Kurtley Beale’s alleged off-field incident, which has led to the 34-year-old being stood down indefinitely, the Waratahs recognised this was a star in the making.
But they also realised the need to nurture the youngster’s development and were intent on giving him the time to grow before throwing him into the deep end.
Nor could they either, with Jorgensen not officially a part of the Waratahs’ senior list and instead in their Elite Development Squad.
It meant Jorgensen could only join the squad throughout the season if another player was ruled out through injury or left the franchise.
Beale’s court case, which will next be heard on March 22, could open the door for Jorgensen to be promoted to the Waratahs squad.
He is expected to feature in some of the Waratahs’ trial matches, beginning against the Brumbies in Griffith on February 4.
While Jorgensen looks a natural fullback, the Waratahs have other options to wear the No.15 jersey too.
Ben Donaldson, the last man to wear the Wallabies No.10 jersey, is another option to shift to the back.
By doing so, it would allow the Waratahs to play Tane Edmed, whom NSW rate highly, in the starting side.
It would also allow the Waratahs to leave their athletic and rising wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and Dylan Pietsch out wide.
Alternatively, the Waratahs could also start dual playmakers at fly-half and inside centre with Edmed playing outside Donaldson, and Lalakai Foketi at outside centre. Yet, that would still leave vacant the No.15 jersey.
Will Harrison, who like Donaldson can play at fly-half and fullback, is also making good progress from his devastating knee injury and is set to return by the end of March.
Fellow rising talents, playmaker Jack Bowen, and outside back Ben Dowling and utility back Harry Wilson are also impressing at training.
Meanwhile, Izaia Perese is racing the clock to be fit for the start of the season while Joey Walton suffered a little setback and is unlikely to play in the opening trial matches too.
tuohyred
Roar Rookie
At the time Geoff Lawson called it remiss of selectors to play him when he'd never finished a 4 day Shield game. Yes he had pace and bowled well but lost 3-4 years of a career that could have been more stellar.
tuohyred
Roar Rookie
Old 1930s joke from late Dad. Who dat who say who dat when I say who dat?
gatesy
Roar Guru
Nice try. What a beat up. Absolutely no suggestion that Eddie admitted he was a Wallaby bolter.
Chufortah
Guest
Because without NRL and AFL we would be World Champions of rugby all the time ;)
Chufortah
Guest
Shame they let Newsome go… the games he played at 15 were very impressive. Reminded me of Burke with his confidence, running lines, and rugby intelligence. He wasn’t given enough time. Was it just me? I saw so much potential as a future 15. Marky Mark is just getting used to his position as we saw with the Wallabies - he could also make a cracking 15 but need more time.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
If there is no room for Harrison, Eddie should find a spot for him here or in Europe .
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I wonder more about a proven son of a real legend ! Louie Lynagh . I understand that he is injured and that Eddie has had a good look at him . Instead of ARL players how about this champion ?
tsuru
Roar Rookie
A season in the NZ NPC would be good for Jorgensen. I wonder if Joey Walton might get in his ear about his own experience with Bay of Plenty.
Mike Van
Roar Rookie
Is it possible to read an ARU article without mention of the NRL?? You Aussies are obsessed, I love the roar but there has genuinely been approximately 6 articles this week talking about another sport! What's happening over there??
Double Agent
Guest
What the??? :shocked: :shocked:
Double Agent
Guest
Fair enough. Why not?
10000feet
Roar Rookie
He is very very good. Watched him play a truckload of games. He learned a heap from Ben Dowling who has similar skills. He creates opportunities for other outside backs and can tackle. Put another 8kg on him and he will monster it.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
There is nothing stopping the Reds or Tahs from doing this
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Isn't Reesjan out for most of the season??
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
DA, it has the potential to be a famous surname. Might as well jump forward a few years.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Mate, plenty are calling his name from the clouds. And that's after 1 very good Wallaby game. Tackling will be his issue as other Super strategists identify his weakness. No doubt he has great attacking flair.
Hunters
Roar Rookie
His tackling was already improving. Most of us talking about Nawa are not claiming he’s already a star. But he has shown more than skill to go with his size. He’s also shown an admirable mix of adventure with reasonably mature decision making. That’s a combination that’s been missing or too inconsistent.
Malo
Guest
All they need to do is pump $3 mill. A year into the Shute shield and brissy comps to get a fantastic pathways for school leavers. That’s just a couple of Leaguies a Vunivalu or two. But hey let’s spend $5 mill on coaches and assistant coaches and weight coaches and psychologists
Malo
Guest
Is he that good or he just has the right connections
Hunters
Roar Rookie
I was scrolling through the comments to see if someone else referred to Nawa in the 15 shirt. It would be hard to put him there after excelling as a wing. But he looks like a natural fit. With Beale out I wonder if Nawa will get some time at 15 in the trials. Maybe the trial form of these boys will clear up the congestion in the inside backs.