Max Jorgensen reacts to having ‘one of my idols’ back in Wallabies mix

Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen is admired by young rugby fans across Australia, having emerged as a genuine game-breaker at Test level. But ‘Jorgo has sporting heroes of his own, and now has the chance to learn from one of them directly.

Jorgensen looked up to Kurtley Beale as “one of my idols” growing up, and both players are part of the Wallabies’ squad for the November Nations Championship. 95-Test cap Beale hasn’t worn Wallaby gold in a Test since 2021 and hasn’t featured in a squad in two years.

Beale was recognised as one of the top-three players of the 2026 Super Rugby AUS season after helping guide the Western Force to a Grand Final victory. The utility back played a part in multiple tries during the first half, including a long-range cut-out pass to set up flyer Dylan Pietsch.

When the Wallabies unveiled their initial squad, Beale wasn’t named, but Hunter Paisami has withdrawn from the Spring Tour. Coach Les Kiss opted to recall Beale and Kalani Thomas, and also select uncapped winger James Ramm.

The Wallabies have arrived in the United Kingdom and are preparing to face arch-rivals England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. Jorgensen has had the chance to rub shoulders with Beale at training, which the 22-year-old explained has “been unbelievable.”

“Everyone knows what Kurtley’s done in his career and what he brings to the squad. He’s got so much experience,” Jorgensen told reporters.

“For me personally, it’s pretty special. I grew up watching him, he was one of my idols, so to be in camp with him and learn from him is really cool.

“As I said before, he brings a hell of a lot of experience [that] not many players have. To be able to learn off him, it’s pretty special.”

Beale suited up in Wallaby gold against Wales five years ago, but the utility back has not moved closer to the 100 Test milestone since then. The 37-year-old is still five appearances short of that tally but could feature over the next few weeks.

The Wallabies start their tour against England, before travelling to Edinburgh to play Scotland, then Wales in Cardiff, before returning to London. Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium will host the all-new Nations Championship Finals Weekend later this month.

Teddy Wilson, Tom Lambert and Ramm are the three uncapped prospects in the group, while Allan Alaalatoa and Beale are the most experienced. With Paisami unavailable, Isaac Henry and Len Ikitau are other leading options to wear the No. 12 jersey.

“Everyone knows what Kurtley can do. As I said before, it’s always good having that little extra competition, extra options throughout the backline depending on how we want to play,” the winger added.

“It’s really good.”