Teenage sensation keen to fulfill Wallabies dream despite NRL interest :

Australian rugby’s teenage sensation, Max Jorgensen, is eager to stay in the 15-man code despite several of his country’s rugby league clubs being interested in signing him.

The 19-year-old shone during his maiden campaign with the Waratahs last year and caught the eye with several impressive performances for the Sydneysiders.

Jorgensen showed his class from the outset and announced himself with a brace of tries on his Super Rugby Pacific debut in a losing cause for the Waratahs against the Brumbies.

World Cup dream ruined by injury

He continued to do well for at club level and his impressive form led to him being included in Australia‘s Rugby World Cup squad but he broke his leg during a training session in the build-up to the Wallabies’ highly anticipated Pool C clash against Wales in Lyon last year.

Jorgensen’s Waratahs contract expires at the end of the 2024 season and several NRL clubs are keen to acquire the services of a player who is the son of a former Australian rugby league international, Peter.

However, the younger Jorgensen is keen to continue his rugby union career, especially with the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia and a home Rugby World Cup set to take place in 2025 and 2027 respectively.

“I love the game and want to make my mark here playing for the Wallabies,” he told reporters.

“It’s a dream to play in a World Cup and with the British and Lions coming up next year, it comes around every 12 years so if you miss out, you don’t get another opportunity to do it again. Playing something like that would be awesome.”

Jorgensen also revealed his desire to represent Australia’s sevens team at an Olympic Games in the future.

“I don’t think this year (in Paris) but that’s another dream playing for Australia at the Olympics, winning a gold or any medal,” he added.

“That’d be pretty cool but I’m focused on the Tahs and hopefully making my Wallabies debut.”

Despite missing out on his Test debut at the World Cup due to injury, Jorgensen relished being part of the Wallabies set-up at the global showpiece and enjoyed his short time in camp with former Australia head coach Eddie Jones.

“It was unreal training and playing with some players I used to watch on TV. It’s pretty surreal,” he added.

“It was an unreal experience to go there, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. You learn so much from not only the experienced players but Eddie (Jones).

“Once I went to that France game before the World Cup, just sitting on the sidelines, the atmosphere was insane and that’s how I knew I wanted to be out there and playing with all the boys.

‘A year of highs and lows’

“It was a massive year of highs and lows but I was grateful for my Waratahs debut and playing the whole season there. I didn’t get my Wallabies debut but I like to say everything happens for a reason so hopefully I get a chance this year.

“It made the dream become even more real. I was there and I…