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Super Rugby Pacific, at long last, has arrived. The fun and games are about to begin.
The question is, who are the brightest young Australian stars that are about to grace our fields?
While some could prove to be bolters for the World Cup, others are more likely destined for national honours down the track.
Here are five young stars to watch out for over the opening round of Super Rugby.
Max Jorgensen – NSW Waratahs
The Waratahs back is the exciting young prospect on the tips of the tongues of the rugby community.
A schoolboy prodigy and the son of former Wallaby turned Easts and Penrith star, Peter, Max Jorgensen attracted huge interest from his father’s former club the Roosters and the Bulldogs before settling on the Waratahs.
Rugby Australia and NSW weren’t about to be beaten to the posts by rugby league and made him an offer he couldn’t turn down.
Jorgensen, 18, seems to have a mature head on his shoulders.
Schoolboy sensation Max Jorgensen will start for the Waratahs against the Brumbies after impressing everyone Photo: Toby Sinclair, Waratahs Media
Unlike some of the past golden boys of Australian rugby, Jorgensen lets his feet and hips do the talking.
Hello Filipo Daugunu.
The Queensland and Wallabies winger was burned by Jorgensen during their trial match earlier this month and in one play he gave Australian rugby a glimpse of what is to come.
Not long after Daugunu dived at the legs when Jorgensen got away a clearing kick. Jorgensen was unfazed by the clumsy and dangerous moment. His teammates, however, were left far from impressed as Charlie Gamble issued a warning to the winger.
But just as pleasing was how he responded during his first match this year.
Jorgensen spilled the ball twice against the Brumbies, before making a strong comeback in the game to carry momentum into the Reds match.
His early season form has earned him selection against the Brumbies on the wing, but don’t be surprised if he moves to fullback in the second half.
Former Wallabies and Waratahs star turned coach Chris Whitaker said he hadn’t seen many youngsters as special as Jorgensen and said he had not doubt he would stand up to the pressure of a debut start.
“A good way to learn is to stick them in the middle,” Whitaker said.
“He’s showed enough at training to warrant his spot, so we’ve got all confidence in him. We’re not going to get too upset if he makes a mistake here and there because it’s understandable.
“I remember watching him at school, and when he first came in I was thinking it is going to be a big step for him, for a school kid to be able to play Super Rugby. But from week one you could see he is a different kettle of fish. He is a quality player.
“He has got speed … and just his ability to find space and put other people into space. Generally, you find a kid in school, who is fast, they usually just run around people and so don’t have an awareness of where space is, and how to put people into space.
“But he has a good offloading game, seems to find himself in space and works hard off the ball to get the ball in his hands. He is definitely a lot more advanced than we thought he would be.”
Tom Lynagh – Queensland Reds
The son of Wallabies legend, Michael, Tom Lynagh is no new face on the block but his inclusion in the No.10 jersey to face the Hurricanes was the selection shock of the opening round of Super Rugby this year.
Last year Lynagh also impressed with his impeccable skills during a trial match but then did the time growing during club rugby.
Many thought club rugby was where he would continue to learn his craft despite a sublimely understated and clinical performance against the Waratahs in their second trial match.
Tom Lynagh has impressed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and will start against the Hurricanes in Townsville. Photo: Brendan Hertel/QRU
But with James O’Connor still missing, the Reds named Lynagh at fly-half.
Did Eddie Jones have a word or two?
“It’s a great story,” Australia coach Jones, who will be at the match, told AAP.
“The son of one of the greats playing in Townsville, a great rugby town for Australian and Queensland rugby.
“To make his debut there is fantastic.”
Jones, who brought Tom’s older brother Louis into his England camp over the past two years, said he was impressed with Lynagh’s skills.
“I watched him in (a trial game in) Narrabri and club rugby (for University of Queensland last year),” Jones said.
“Nice skills, outstanding kicker of the ball like his father and has the potential to be a very good player.”
The concern about Lynagh is that physically he still has a lot of growth to do, but the 19-year-old’s ceiling is extremely high.
His father didn’t think he was ready to be called up for the Wallabies either when he made his debut in 1984. History shows he turned out one of the best.
Corey Toole – ACT Brumbies
Corey Toole is quick. No, like really quick. And in the modern game, that counts.
With rugby increasingly a power game, defences employing rush-defences and the breakdown competed so hard at, space is a precious commodity.
It’s why players with X-factor and a point of different are so important.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has it, Suliasi Vunivalu too. Toole does also.
Need proof? Check out his epic solo run against Canada during last year’s London Sevens where he ran approximately 130 metres to score.
Toole was regularly nominated for the World Series dream team and was a key player for John Manenti during Australia’s maiden World Series Sevens championship.
The Brumbies flyer is leaner than Cheslin Kolbe, but the 22-year-old isn’t entirely dissimilar to the Springboks pocket rocket either who was an electric but underrated player when he first hit the Super Rugby scene with the Stormers via the Blitzboks.
Toole showed off his finishing ability with two tries against the Waratahs, with his opening effort a beauty as he someone how touched down in close quarters from a Declan Meredith grubber.
Carter Gordon – Melbourne Rebels
The Rebels playmaker has been around the game for what seems forever, but after a slow start to his career Carter Gordon looks ready to take the leap needed to become a commanding figure.
Gordon is a Queensland product but joined the Rebels in late 2020.
He learned from James O’Connor and Matt To’omua, but was it beneficial to his development?
Word is that Gordon is thriving with the responsibility of being the main shot caller.
After a tough introduction into Super Rugby, Carter Gordon is ready to stamp his authority. Photo Matt King/Getty Images
Physically Gordon is a strong No.10 but his ability out of hand and his long kick are attributes that will excite many.
Former Force coach Tim Sampson, who has joined the Rebels as their assistant coach, was blown away by Gordon’s ability when he saw it first-hand after arriving in Melbourne.
“Sambo [Sampson] said to me, ‘jeez, this guy, he’s a student of the game, he’s diligent, he’s a good speaker,’” Rebels coach Kevin Foote told The Roar Rugby podcast.
“Pup [Matt To’omua] mentored him, but now Pup’s moved on and he’s got that space.
“I’ve spoken to the Wallabies staff around some bolters for the World Cup, and there’s obviously a surplus of really good young 10s in this country, which is great, but Carter should be there in and about the camps because he’s going to be really good.”
Jackson Pugh – Western Force
A no frills back-rower from Perth, Jackson Pugh should be one of the real stars to emerge out of the Force in 2023.
A surprise call-up to some for Australia A last year, Pugh had been on Rugby Australia Talent Identification List for a few years and can play right across the back-row.
He spent a stint at Auckland last year and impressed many, too.
Jackson Pugh could be one of the big movers in 2023. Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images
Pugh has a bit of Tom Curry about him.
It’s a big call, but Pugh has great leg-drive and is an aggressive, in-your-face defender and just turned 23.
He could well be the surprise package of the year if the Force manage to keep their pack together.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.