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Whether or not it will prove his selection headache to have, Darren Coleman has promised there will be a place in the backline for all of Max Jorgensen and the two big name signings arriving next season.
Jorgensen announced he would be signing a two-year extension with the club this week, heading off interest from NRL and the Sydney Roosters. He will share a dressingroom with Wallabies fullback Andrew Kellaway and Roosters recruit Joseph Suaalii, leaving a potential log jam for jerseys.
Jorgensen’s decision to stay – which he says was strongly fuelled by a desire to wear a gold jersey for the Wallabies after coming close during the ill-fated World Cup – was heralded by Coleman, although there are doubts he will get to continue past this season to see the speedy trio in action together.
“I’ve spoken to both Max and Kels on how that would play out and they’ve got to have some trust that we’ll do what’s best for the team,” Coleman said. “There’s definitely going to be spot for all three of them in the backline, we’ve just got to get them all under the one roof and work with them and figure out what best suits the team.
“It’s an old cliche but sometimes the numbering on the back isn’t super important, it’s how you combine together and work together. Max will learn a lot off Andrew, as well Joseph. Andrew’s probably the senior statesman of that group, but we’re seen with Kels he can easily play 13, wing and do well there, as well as 15, so we’ll that form and time be the decider in that.”
Jorgensen said the competition was “awesome. Obviously they’re two great players, Joey Suaalii coming from league, that’s massive, Kels as well, to play alongside those two it’ll be unreal.
“Hopefully there’s room in the backline for all of us, so we will play together and just really keen to crack on with those boys will be good.”
Max Jorgensen poses during a Rugby Australia media opportunity at NSW Rugby on March 28, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Jorgensen remains a work in progress, but one union was eager to keep in the game.
“The biggest strides we’ve seen Max make is around his game knowledge. Athletically he’ll continue to grow, he’s a great athlete,” said Coleman.
“He’s got to keep working on his game knowledge, his skill set. What’s pleased me the most is his ability to push through adversity. He had a pretty wretched run from the Crusaders game on onwards last year with a knee, shoulder, ankle … he hasn’t been clean sailing.
“Like everyone’s talking about him being the wonder boy, he’s been in some dark holes in the last eight to 12 months and he’s showed a great amount of resilience, dedication, a higher pain threshold to push through and get back on the field.”
One of those dark holes came in France, where Jorgensen was close to a first Test call up only to suffer an injury that sent him home prematurely.
He acknowledged the disappointment of France had “100 precent” contributed to his decision to stick with union.
“Obviously I want to put on that gold jersey for the first time, so to not put it on there was really devastating but obviously injuries happen. that’s what I aspire to do, to hopefully put on that gold jersey.”
Max Jorgensen of the Waratahs in action during the round three Super Rugby Pacific match between NSW Waratahs and Highlanders at Allianz Stadium, on March 08, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
That time will come soon rather than later due. Coleman chose one word to sum him up.
“Unflappable. An interesting thing is he’s sort of exceeded our expectations at every step,” said Coleman.
“When we originally recruited him, and where I thought he might have got to from watching him play school footy, he backed his ability and he got there.
“It started on night one when he scored off his first touch and he scored two in his first game. That’s probably one of the things that’s made himself appealing to the Wallabies is he’s unflappable. He makes mistakes like anyone else, but he just gets back on with the job. He’s overcome adversity with injury, he stayed on point. Not everything’s been easy for him. We’re pumped to have him.
“A good cheer came up. Maxi broke the internet last night when it was all announced.”
The feeling is apparently mutual.
“Obviously I love this club. Love the coaching staff, love the boys here,” said Jorgensen. “It’s pretty hard to leave an environment like this, so I’m really excited for the next two years ahead and just really happy with my decision.”