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Max Jorgensen was hotly pursued by the Roosters and Bulldogs, but the boom teenager says he only ever wanted to play rugby.
The 18-year-old outside back not only became the second youngest Waratah to make his Super Rugby debut when he ran out against the Brumbies on Friday night, he completed a dream start to his burgeoning career by scoring a brace of tries to announce himself to the Australian public.
Speaking for the first time since being unveiled as the Waratahs’ newest and youngest recruit, Jorgensen said he just tried to keep a level head as he played in front of the biggest crowd of his infant career.
“[It was a] dream come true,” he said.
“I was just trying to think it was just another game. Don’t get too fazed by the crowd. Just play my footy, play my game.”
The Waratahs get around Max Jorgensen after scoring early in his debut match against the Brumbies. Photo Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
And play his game he did.
With Eddie Jones watching on, it was just the early impression that would have caught the new Wallaby coach’s eye in a World Cup year.
Not that he needed didn’t know about Jorgensen’s pedigree.
After all, the teenage sensation’s Wallaby father, Peter, was a teammate of Jones’ at Randwick and the duo spoke together before Jorgensen decided to turn down NRL offers, including his old man’s club, the Sydney Roosters, and go with rugby.
Former Wallaby and rugby league star Peter Jorgensen watches his son, Max, on debut for the Waratahs against the Brumbies. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Jorgensen said he was thankful to have the support of his dad, who had earlier offered some last-minute words of encouragement and was a notable spectator on hand.
“It’s good to have someone like that in the family to teach you from a young age and will always support you and knows the game, so I think it helps,” Jorgensen said.
“He had a couple (of words) this morning, a bit of motivation. Just that he was proud of me and that he always backs me.”
Rarely has there been a more exciting performance from a debutant, with Jorgensen finishing off two brilliant tries while also showing his composure. With a World Cup just seven months away, Jorgensen could well be the bolter for the campaign as he and fellow Brumbies rookie, Corey Toole, sparkled.
But it wasn’t just those two factors that stood out, it was the fact he went searching for the ball and didn’t hesitate to pounce on an opportunity when Angus Bell was tackled and the chance for a pop pass off the deck presented itself.
Some seasoned players would not have sensed that opportunity, but not Jorgensen. The slippery customer stormed onto the ball, bounced out of the attempted tackles from Wallabies forwards Allan Alaalatoa and Rob Valetini and had the pace and balance to evade Ryan Lonergan too.
Later, in the second half, Jorgensen showed his pace and finishing ability to stay out wide and finish off a lovely worked try.
While it wasn’t enough for the Waratahs to start their season on a high against their great rivals, Jorgensen’s performance was something for Australian fans to get excited about.
“He did well,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.
“Everyone’s seen it. He’ll go onwards and upwards.
“I’m disappointed with the loss more so at the moment, but I’m happy for Max. We always knew he was going to handle it and a few things went his way today to get over the line, so that’s awesome. He’ll have a good career.”
Max Jorgensen had a “dream” debut for the Waratahs against the ACT Brumbies at Allianz Stadium. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Not since Israel Folau made his transition in 2013 has there been a back to get more excited about in Australian rugby than Jorgensen.
But while Australian rugby held its breath when he was making up his mind during his final year at school last year, Jorgensen said one thing made the decision easier.
“I just think the love of the game,” Jorgensen said.
“It’s always been the favourite in my eyes. I don’t know something just clicked and I just wanted to stay in union for the love of it.”
While many outsiders feared that Jorgensen was being thrown in the deep end by being named to start, the teenager himself had no such fear and described his first try as a “blur”.
“As soon as I got off the contract by DC, I knew I wanted to play round one,” he said.
“I just worked as hard as I could in pre-season to try and give myself the best shot for a starting place round one.
“It feels unreal to put on the sky blue for the first time, especially in front of the home crowd and in front of my friends and family doing them proud. It’s just amazing, an amazing feeling.”
Jed Holloway, who sat patiently as his young teammate demanded the limelight, said he was blown away by the teenager when he first saw him at training in mid-January as the Waratahs’ Wallabies contingent returned after a long break.
“This kid’s got game,” said Holloway of his initial impression of Jorgensen.
“I was in the other team against him, I think he scored two tries against us and tore us to bits on counter.
“Just his subtle footwork that he’s got, you wouldn’t say he’s a big man but he’s slippery as you saw running through Allan and Rob for that first try, and just his speed’s a game changer, so he’s a kid for the future.”
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.