Max Jorgensen has emphatically stated that he never considered a move to the NRL after the confirmation of his landmark rugby contract. On Friday, it was announced that he has secured a remarkable five-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs, a contract that holds significant importance to him.
This development was first reported earlier this week, revealing that Jorgensen will remain in rugby until 2031 under a multi-million dollar agreement. This contract not only ensures his commitment to Australian rugby but also allows him to take sabbaticals overseas in 2028 and 2030, emphasizing the flexibility within his career plans.
Despite interest from the Roosters, who have pursued him twice before, Jorgensen made it clear that his passion lies firmly within rugby. He instructed his agent, Clinton Schifcofske, to negotiate an arrangement that would secure his place with the Wallabies and the Waratahs. When Rugby Australia presented him with a rare five-year offer, covering the next two Rugby World Cups, he was thrilled to accept, expressing joy at being able to extend his stay.
"I told my manager, I want to remain here. My heart is with the sport, and I want to continue playing rugby," Jorgensen shared on Friday. "I genuinely love being part of the Tahs and the Wallabies, and I had no desire to go elsewhere."
He added that there was no secrecy regarding his intentions; the discussions over the last six months had been straightforward about his wish to stay with the team. When asked about previous meetings with Roosters coach Trent Robinson, Jorgensen confirmed, "Not this time. I’ve met with them in the past, but this time around, there was no engagement."
Regarding R360’s outreach, he noted, "I believe they reached out to everyone, but we didn’t delve deeply into that conversation."
Jorgensen's new contract ties him with some of the longest agreements offered by Rugby Australia, alongside notable players like Michael Hooper and Lote Tuqiri, who also have five-year contracts. With this deal reportedly worth around $900,000 per season, Jorgensen expressed enthusiasm, even though it means he will be off the market for the foreseeable future.
“It wasn’t solely my decision, but it felt special to be wanted,” he remarked. “After discussing it with my family and manager, it felt like the right moment to sign such a long-term deal. At just 21 years old, I will still be young when this contract concludes, with plenty of time left in my career afterward. It’s a unique opportunity to remain with both the Wallabies and the Tahs for five years, and turning it down was not an option.”
Additionally, Jorgensen mentioned consulting with his teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii about the contract. "Being good friends, we can exchange thoughts easily. It's beneficial to gain a different viewpoint that isn't influenced by personal ties," he explained.
His deal also permits him to experience playing overseas, which could mean substantial earnings from stints in leagues in Japan or Europe, although this would require missing Super Rugby matches. Jorgensen also expressed an interest in potentially competing in the 2028 LA Olympics in rugby sevens, saying, "Growing up, many dream of going to the Olympics—it’s a unique aspiration. But whether that will materialize is uncertain, so it’s more of a discussion for another time."
While contemplating a future transition to the NRL remains a possibility, the question of whether it will occur seems increasingly complex, especially since he will be 26 when his next contract comes up.
Reflecting on the journey with the Wallabies, Jorgensen remarked, "Being part of this rebuilding phase is truly exciting. The ultimate goal is to become the leading team in the world, a team that others fear facing. To contribute to this upward trajectory and potentially position ourselves as the best is incredibly rewarding."
