Super Rugby Pacific: Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels

Whatever rugby paid Max Jorgensen to stick with the struggling code, it is not nearly enough. And, JULIAN LINDEN writes, it’s certainly not the Waratahs keeping the young star in the code.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Dylan Pietsch of the Waratahs is tackled during the round six Super Rugby Pacific match between NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels at Allianz Stadium, on March 29, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Whatever rugby paid Max Jorgensen to stick with the struggling code, it is not nearly enough.

Given the plight that Rugby Australia finds itself in right now, no-one would have blamed the teenage whiz kid for deserting the game and switching to rugby league after he received a huge offer from the Roosters.

While his decision this week to sign an extended contract has been hailed by rugby’s faithful as a rare win over the NRL, Jorgensen’s loyalty to the 15-man code really has more to do with what rugby can offer in the future than at the moment.

Max Jorgensen is motivated to play for the Wallabies, but his Waratahs have descended into a rabble. Picture: Getty Images

He’s made no secret that he is motivated by the chance to play for the Wallabies and to be involved in next year’s British and Irish Lions tour. And if he manages to do those, it’s a safe bet he’ll stay for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and maybe even the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

What won’t entice him to hang around too long is playing for the Waratahs, who have descended into a rabble, slumping to a fourth straight loss this season after a 27-21 loss against the Melbourne Rebels on Good Friday.

Each of those defeats has been by sx points or less but the Waratahs aren’t just a team out of luck because they are their own worst enemies, losing to a Rebels franchise that may not even be included in Super Rugby next season.

Rebels' Lachie Anderson runs in a try during the Super Rugby win agaisnt the Waratah. Picture: AFP

“It’s getting a bit repetitive now,” Waratahs captain Jake Gordon said.

“We are competing but we want to be a good team and good teams ice those opportunities.

“You’ve got to review those moments but there’s something not working especially when the heat’s on us.”

Jorgensen played as well as he was able to under the circumstances.

REBELLIN'

It's the Rebels first win away to an Australian team since April 2022 (v. Force).#SuperRugbyPacific#WARvREBpic.twitter.com/a9iLHKp72I

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 29, 2024

The 19-year-old was full of energy and looked threatening but just didn’t get many opportunities in a match that failed to reach any great heights.

Close results always retain some element of excitement because the stakes are always high in professional code and this was no different with both teams desperately needing a win to revive their faltering campaigns.

They combined for three tries in the last 10 minutes before Rebels’ outside centre Filipo Daugunu sealed his team’s victory with a try on the siren but the frantic finish could not disguise the reality that it was a forgetful fixture.

Filipo Daugunu scored in the 79th minute to seal victory for the Rebels. Picture: Getty Images

At times, the errors were becoming so frequent and ludicrous that no one would have been surprised if they played the Benny Hill theme song over the Allianz Stadium loudspeakers.

The low point came when the Waratahs were given a penalty in front of the Rebels’ posts while trailing by three points.

They turned down the chance to kick at goal to level the scores but came up empty handed when they decided to tap and run but forgot to tap their ball with their feet.

Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen of the Waratahs look dejected after the final Rebels try. Picture: Getty Images

They weren’t alone in making dumb mistakes. Both sides were guilty of giving up possession far too easily through poor skills and choices, but the Rebels - who had lost their last two games - were more composed when it mattered at the death.

“We just had a lot of honest conversations and meetings,” Melbourne skipper Rob Leota said.

“Sometimes you’ve just going to look within the group and that’s what we did.

“It’s been tough but we dig deep for each other and it’s definitely that culture of going strong that’s keeping us going.”

Originally published as Super Rugby Pacific: Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels