Star "game-breaker" rejects NRL to re-sign with Rugby Australia

Rugby Australia have secured another major signing with rising star Max Jorgensen rejecting NRL offers to re-sign with the code.

Jorgensen has agreed to a five-year deal worth roughly $900,000 a year, making him only the third player in Rugby Australia history to sign a five-year deal after Michael Hooper and Lote Tuqiri.

The extension means Jorgensen will stay with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for the next two World Cups, however, he will be allowed two seasons overseas, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

The Sydney Roosters were keen to sign Jorgensen after losing stars Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and in the last week, Angus Crichton to the 15-man code. However, the 21-year-old opted to remain loyal with the World Cup on the horizon.

Former Wallaby star Mat Rogers praised Rugby Australia’s retention, believing Jorgensen will have a big impact on the upcoming World Cup.

“It's a 5-year extension with what's coming up around the corner with the Perth Bears, with PNG, and it's going to thin the talent out,* Rogers said on SENQ Sportsday.

“There's no question about it, this is a smart move by Rugby Australia, because Max Jorgensen is an absolute game breaker.

“He's an absolute difference maker.

“You watch him play, he's… an absolute gun.”

Former Canberra Raiders’ star Jarrod Croker said that it’s good to see rugby union retaining talent and starting to thrive, even if it means rugby league misses out and gets weaker.

“We want the Wallabies to do well. We as footy nerds, we love union, we love league, we want both to go well,” Croker said.

“We want to see the Wallabies do well in the World Cup, so it's good to see.

“You don't want to see all the rugby league players go over there, but seeing a few go over there… seeing a few knock back league and wanting to win a World Cup and play for the Wallabies (is great).

“On $3 million over 5 years, he's probably getting more money than that to come (to league).”

Jorgensen is the son of former Wallaby and league player Peter Jorgensen and has played 21 Tests across his career.