Wallabies bolter Max Jorgensen has backed himself to hold onto the Waratahs fullback jersey once Joseph Suaalii takes the rugby field in 2025 and beyond.
Jorgensen, 18, has been the breakout star of the Super Rugby Pacific season and is in line for a possible Test debut in July after making Eddie Jones’ squad for a Wallabies camp on the Gold Coast this month.
“Pretty crazy to think about, I think if you told me a couple of years ago I’d be here right now, I wouldn’t believe you,” Jorgensen told Nine’s Danny Weidler.
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Jorgensen is in his first year out of school and found out about his Wallabies selection on Instagram.
He could have potentially been an NRL teammate of Suaalii’s at the Roosters and admitted there was interest when coach Trent Robinson came calling.
“But I’ve definitely made the right decision coming to the Tahs,” Jorgensen said.
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“Hopefully I can just stay in good form. Definitely, I back myself (in a hypothetical selection battle with Suaalii).
“I welcome it, it’s good for rugby getting someone like Joe Suaalii.
“A pretty big name, obviously has a union background and it’s good to get him back over.”
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Jorgensen told Weidler that being the son of former Wallaby, Rooster and Panther Peter had been a blessing rather than a burden.
“I wouldn’t say it was hard, I think it’s pretty cool having someone like that in the family, a dad who’s played so many years of professional sport.
“Someone to look up to and someone to follow in their footsteps.”
Jones told reporters on Sunday that Jorgensen was ready for Test rugby at such a tender age.
“He’s got pace, mate. Big thing about Test rugby is having pace, particularly in the back three. He’s got pace,” Jones said.
“He’s got a great instinctiveness about him. He’s got courage.
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“He’s got all the attributes of being a very good Test player and he’s made a good start. And his challenge now is to keep improving.
“Everyone who was selected is in the World Cup plans…
“I don’t think it’s about age, it’s about whether they’re good enough… certainly at the moment, the answer to that is yes.”
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