The Sydney Roosters will have to look elsewhere in rugby’s ranks for new talent, as one of the most exciting young players on their recruitment hit-list, Max Jorgensen, has committed to a long-term deal with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs.
The 21-year-old Wallaby has signed a contract that will keep him in rugby union through at least 2031, effectively ending speculation about any potential switch to the NRL, which has been a growing question over the past couple of months.
Jorgensen has already established himself as a key figure for the Wallabies, earning nearly 20 Test caps and becoming one of the brightest backs in the Southern Hemisphere.
For the Roosters, missing out on a player of his talent, speed, and skill is a blow, as he was widely regarded as someone who could make a seamless transition to league and inject fresh energy into the squad—much like the signing of soon-to-be-departing Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Despite persistent rumours linking him to the NRL, Jorgensen has made it clear that his focus remains firmly on rugby union, citing his commitment to the Waratahs and the Wallabies as the reason for staying.
The NRL and rugby union have been in a persistent battle for each other’s talent in recent seasons, and the Roosters have been a huge part of that.
Aside from snaring—and now losing—Wallabies convert Mark Nawaqanitawase, the Roosters have lost a host of stars to the 15-man code over the past few seasons, with the likes of Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii leaving the club for lucrative rugby union deals.
Jorgensen’s deal is a huge win for rugby union after persistent rumblings he was a key target for the Roosters, who were one of the NRL clubs his father, Peter Jorgensen, had starred for.
While the door to the NRL is not permanently closed, for now Jorgensen’s commitment to rugby union is firm, and the Roosters will need to focus on other avenues to bolster their roster as they continue their recruitment drive.
