Max Jorgensen already knows the impact that Angus Crichton can make.
“I did a preseason with the Roosters a while back, so I know Gussy from there,” Jorgensen told Wide World of Sports.
“I was pretty young, so I got hammered. He smoked me!”
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Angus Crichton of the Roosters charges forward at Mt Smart Stadium. Getty
Crichton, for those that missed the memo, dropped a bombshell last week in signing a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and Jorgensen’s NSW Waratahs.
The damaging backrower will play the 2026 NRL season with the Roosters before returning to the game in which he starred as a Scots College schoolboy.
Crichton will join another former Roosters standout, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the Waratahs and, all going well, the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Maddison Levi, Chris Stubbs and Max Jorgensen. Sam Worthington
“He’s a great bloke and he’s a helluva of a player, so RA have done well to get him,” Jorgensen said during a Stan Sport promotional trip to the Australian Open.
“I can’t wait to see him at the Tahs and see how he goes. You look at him in league, he’s a helluva ball carrier. He can offload, he can pretty much do everything, so I don’t think he’s going to have too much of a problem. If he does what he’s been doing in league in union, he’s going to bloody kill it.”
Jorgensen, a fleet-footed outside back, did not want to weigh in on what position Crichton should play in rugby.
Angus Crichton of the Blues at ANZ Stadium. Getty
But Mat Rogers and Eddie Jones believe inside centre is a no brainer.
Crichton could potentially form a gigantic midfield pairing with Suaalii at NSW.
Suaalii played fullback for the Waratahs last season but has been training at No.13 – his Wallabies position – in the 2026 preseason.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Angus Crichton walk to the team hotel at Sydney Olympic Park. Getty
Len Ikitau is the reigning John Eales Medallist and incumbent Test No.12.
“Wherever you put him, he’s going to do a good job,” Jorgensen said.
“He played a whole schoolboys career in rugby union. You look at his highlights and he was a freak. He’s one helluva athlete and he’s experienced. So when you get someone like that, they can pick up new things pretty easily, and they can pick up old things as well.
Angus Crichton of the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. Getty
“I think he’s going to be really good for us.”
Jorgensen’s father is former dual code star Peter, who played for the Wallabies and first grade league for the Roosters and Panthers.
Jorgensen is off contract at the end of 2026 and, while it would be a major shock if he left before a home World Cup, appears almost certain to try his hand in the NRL at some point.
He has a strong relationship with Roosters coach Trent Robinson, who now has ex-Wallabies supremo Michael Cheika as his right-hand man.
“I never really see it as a battle, I don’t think it should be,” Jorgensen said.
“But you get these good talents from both codes with Marky (Nawaqanitawase) going over to league and Gussy (Crichton) and Su (Suaalii) coming over to union.
Max Jorgensen of the Wallabies dives over to score a try. Getty
“It doesn’t really matter at the end of the day, it’s all footy and you want the best talent in your game. When you see that (Crichton) news it’s amazing, because you want to play with the best players.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Jorgensen was tabled a rare five-year extension last October, which is yet to be signed.
The deal was worth about $800,000 a season.
“We’re working through all of it at the moment, you know, a few variables coming into it,” Jorgensen said.
“I’m really trying to focus on what I can do with the Tahs over the next five or so months, and really trying to focus on that.
“Hopefully it’s all finished up pretty soon. I think it’s going to be a good year.”