Max Jorgensen breaks silence on NRL links after signing new rugby deal

20-Test Wallaby Max Jorgensen has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs on a landmark five-year deal, revealing he “never really explored” a move across codes to NRL powerhouse the Sydney Roosters.

Jorgensen has been linked to the Roosters on multiple occasions, with rumours resurfacing after Angus Crichton agreed to leave the NRL for the 15-player game. The NRL Premiership winner has committed to Rugby Australia and the Tahs for 2027 and 2028.

Rugby Australia have confirmed that Jorgensen, 21, will be available for the next two Rugby World Cups. Australia will host the showpiece event in about 20 months’ time, before the tournament heads to the USA for the first time in 2031.

Four-time John Eales Medallist Michael Hooper, code-hopper Lote Tuqiri and Jorgensen are the only players who have committed to five-year contracts with RA. It’s a historic deal for Jorgensen, who spoke with reporters two weeks out from the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

“I didn’t really. I never really explored it,” Jorgensen said in Sydney when asked about the NRL.

“I knew I always wanted to stay with the Tahs and the Wallabies so I never really went down that path, which most people knew about.

“I always wanted to stay in this code.

“It’s not off the table, you never say never, but for the next five years, obviously sticking around here and loving my footy playing here in Australia and for the Tahs.

“It’s not off the table but I’ll just see where my career takes me.”

Jorgensen, Matt Burke and Mark Nawaqanitawase are the only Waratahs to score two tries on debut in Super Rugby Pacific, with the outside back achieving that feat in a 25-31 defeat to the ACT Brumbies on February 24, 2023.

After an unforgettable debut, Jorgensen touched down for tries against the Fijian Drua in round two and another away to the Hurricanes in the fourth round. Eddie Jones selected the uncapped rising star in the Wallabies squad for the Rugby World Cup in France, with more history beckoning.

The Balmain Wolves junior would’ve become the youngest Australian to play at the showpiece event but injury brought an end to that dream. Jorgensen debuted for the Wallabies the following year against the Springboks in Perth during The Rugby Championship.

Jorgensen scored a stunning match-winner against England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium during the Spring Tour, which set the tone for a breakout Test season in 2025. The winger started all three matches against the British & Irish Lions, scoring two tries.

With tries away to the Springboks and France, Jorgensen was named in the RugbyPass Top 100 for the first time. But the dream of playing at the World Cup remains, with Jorgensen set to be available for the 2027 and 2031 tournaments.

“2023 was a tough year, not only for myself but for the Wallabies,” Jorgensen reflected.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in a World Cup and especially a home World Cup. It doesn’t come around too often so to be able to hopefully get the chance to play in one of them would be very special.”