WATCH: Waratahs teenage sensation Max Jorgensen scores twice on Super Rugby Pacific debut

NewsExpressHindi September 28, 2024

Max Jorgensen enjoyed a rapid start to his Super Rugby Pacific career, scoring twice on debut against the Brumbies on Friday.

A schoolboy prodigy, Jorgensen stood out for Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill and has been tipped for a bright future.

A memorable debut

He wasted no time living up to the hype scoring his first try for the Waratahs just 15 minutes into his first game.

After a superb 50:22, the Waratahs had an attacking lineout deep inside the Brumbies‘ half. Hooker Dave Porecki’s dart did not reach Taleni Seu but Tane Edmed was quick to pounce on the loose ball and offload to Angus Bell.

The loosehead prop was chopped down but offloaded from the deck to Jorgensen. The winger slipped through the double tackle of Brumbies tighthead Allan Alaalatoa and flanker Rob Valetini before fending Ryan Lonergan and scoring under the posts.

The try was in response to Lonergan’s opener in the sixth minute. Edmed added the extras on the score and penalty. However, the Brumbies led at halftime, with Lonergan adding a penalty of his own and Andy Muirhead a try.

The Brumbies extended their lead to 21-10 early in the second half thanks to a pair of penalties via the boot of Lonergan.

However, Jorgensen hit back to put his side back in contention in the 50th minute. The Tahs’ attack stretched the Brumbies’ defence before Lalakai Foketi threw a brilliant pass out to the speedster while falling to the ground.

Despite his debut heroics, Jorgensen could not steer his side to victory, with the Brumbies securing a 31-25 win.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones was in attendance at the match and was surely impressed by the youngster, who only finished his schooling last year.

Rugby in the Jorgensen blood

Many Australian rugby union and league fans will recognise the Jorgensen name.

Max’s father, Peter Jorgensen, was a dual Australian international playing two Test matches for the Wallabies in 1992. He played for Randwick back then and had later stints with English Premiership clubs Northampton Saints and Rotherham and a spell at Edinburgh.

However, he is more well-known for his league career with Eastern Suburbs and the Penrith Panthers.

He is fondly remembered for his trademark try celebrations where he spread his arms out and pretended to be a plane.