NRL powerhouse the Sydney Roosters may secure the services of another Australian rugby union star with Waratahs fullback Max Jorgensen reportedly set to make a decision on his playing future as early as this week.
Jorgensen, 19, has been at the centre of a cross-code tug-of-war for quite some time with the outside back previously receiving interest from rugby league sides the Roosters and Bulldogs.
But a decision looms over Jorgensen’s future with the teenager, who is the son of former Wallaby and NRL winger Peter, set to come off contract with New South Wales and Rugby Australia at the end of 2024.
With New South Wales teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase already on his way to the Tricolours for two years from 2025, it’s entirely possible Jorgensen will follow by signing with the Eastern Suburb’s NRL side from next season.
According to rugby league reporter Danny Wielder, Jorgensen – who was part of the Wallabies’ squad for last year’s Rugby World Cup – will speak with his manager “pretty soon.”
“We brought it up a couple of weeks ago,” Wielder said on 100% Footy.
“I think there’s going to be an answer pretty soon. He’s meeting his manager, I think it’s this week, to work out whether he’s going to play rugby league, and if he does it’ll be at the Roosters, or he’ll stick with rugby union.
“He’s got a big decision to make and I think the decision time could come as early as this week.”
Heralded as a generational talent and a future star of the 15-player game, losing some of Jorgensen’s calibre and potential before a big four years would be a tough blow.
Nawaqanitawase made the decision to leave the code before the British and Irish Lions Tour next year, and Izaia Perese has recently penned a deal with English side Leicester.
Then there’s the home Rugby World Cup in 2027 – the first on Australian soil in what will be 24 years by the time that event gets underway.
While rumours continue to swirl, Jorgensen has previously signalled an intent to stick with Australian rugby.
“I obviously love the game. I want to make my mark here, play for the Wallabies and obviously British Irish Lions, comes around every 12 years. So it’d be pretty cool to play in something like that,” Jorgensen told reporters in Sydney earlier this year.
“That’s a dream playing at a World Cup for the Wallabies and obviously with the British Irish Lions… if you miss that, you don’t really get another opportunity to do it again.
“Playing some of that would be awesome.”
Jorgensen also told The Sydney Morning Herald last week that while a move to the NRL does pique his interest, it’s “probably the right time” to remain in rugby union.
