After successfully recruiting Mark Nawaqanitawase from rugby union, the Sydney Roosters are reportedly actively considering signing another rugby union standout.
Max Jorgensen, currently without a contract with the NSW Waratahs and Rugby Australia after 2024, is believed to be on the Roosters’ radar for a potential move.
Part of the Wallabies’ 2023 Rugby World Cup squad until an injury sidelined him with a fractured fibula, Jorgensen is the son of Peter Jorgensen, a former player with 103 matches for the Eastern Suburbs (1995-96) and Penrith Panthers (1997-01).
While a switch to his father’s former club could be plausible, Jorgensen has previously expressed his commitment to rugby union.
According to 9news reporter Danny Weidler on Nine’s 100% Footy, “Max Jorgensen the rugby player… he’s someone they’re seriously looking at,” could be the next big move for the Roosters in the coming months.
Weidler also dismissed speculations about the Sydney Roosters’ interest in acquiring Zac Lomax from the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Lomax has been frequently rumored to be seeking a departure from the Red V, and there were links suggesting a potential move to the Bondi club, especially with the impending departures of Daniel Tupou, Joseph Suaalii, and Joseph Manu at the end of the season.
Despite being under contract until 2026 with an annual salary of $800,000, reports have surfaced indicating his discontent over a positional change during the off-season.
In addition, Weidler dispelled rumors surrounding Joseph Suaalii’s possible reversal of his agreement with Rugby Australia to stay in the NRL with the Roosters.
“Two or three weeks ago, I confirmed this with Phil Waugh (chief executive of Rugby Australia), who affirmed, ‘no, we are certainly going to honor Joseph’s contract,'” he further explained.
“There were discussions suggesting that certain aspects of the deal were not being fulfilled, but Phil Waugh assured me that everything we promised is indeed on the table.”