The Waratahs are confident teenage sensation Max Jorgensen is ready for Super Rugby after naming the 18-year-old for his debut against the Brumbies on Friday night at Allianz Stadium.
Just a few months after leaving school, Jorgensen - who is the son of former Wallaby and NRL player Peter - will start on the wing for NSW, in a Wallaby-laden backline.
The Waratahs and Brumbies both named their teams for the Super Rugby opener on Wednesday, and while Jorgensen was the only major surprise for the Tahs, returned Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham made a number of shock calls, leaving five Wallabies on the bench.
Former Shute Shield star Jack Debrecenzi, who had stints with Melbourne, the Chiefs and in Japan, will start at no.10 in his debut for the Brumbies, ahead of Noah Lolesio. Starting Wallabies no.9 Nic White will also come off the bench, along with Darcy Swain, James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan.
After settling on a backrow trio of Michael Hooper, Lachie Swinton and Charlie Gamble, Waratahs coach Darren Coleman named a six-two bench to include Langi Gleeson and Will Harris.
Waratahs winger Max Jorgensen at training ahead of his Super Rugby debut.Credit:Toby Sinclair/Waratahs
With Kurtley Beale unavailable, Ben Donaldson will resume his 2022 role and start at fullback, with Tane Edmed named in the no.10. Lalakai Foketi and Izzy Perese will play their first games of the year in the midfield.
But Jorgensen’s debut - ahead of Nemani Nadolo - will be the most eagerly watched, in what will only be the former Joeys star’s fourth game against men. The teenager held his own starting in two trials for the Waratahs and scored a superb try against Queensland.
“He is pretty advanced,” Waratahs backs coach Chris Whitaker said.