Million-dollar recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is set to return for the Waratahs this week but the man who has been carrying the NSW attack in his absence – Max Jorgensen – has been lauded by decorated backs coach Mike Catt as one of the best young players he has come across.
Suaalii is expected to be named on Wednesday in the Tahs side to meet the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday, following a four-week stint on the sidelines with a toe injury.
Pay cheque-wise, it’s been an expensive month in rehab. But the on-field impact hasn’t been anywhere near as costly for the Waratahs, who have won three from four without Suaalii and are now settled in fourth spot.
The Tahs’ back three, in particular, have stepped up and Catt has been impressed with young Wallaby Jorgensen, who has been in outstanding form on the wing.
Asked if he had seen many 20-year-olds with the talents of Jorgensen, Catt said: “No, not many like ‘Jorgo’, no.”
“He’s exceptional,” Catt continued. “His skill and his pace [and] he’s strong, for a … I am not going to say a small man. But in terms of international rugby or whatever it is, he’s phenomenal. He’s got a hell of a skill set.”
Max Jorgensen takes on the Reds defence.Credit: Getty Images
Catt is a well-credentialed judge. As a player, the 74-Test England utility won a Rugby World Cup in 2003 and played for the Lions, and as a coach, he worked with England and Italy before a six-year stint with Ireland between 2019 and 2024. During that time, Ireland became world No.1 for the first time in history, regularly beating the All Blacks and the Springboks.
Catt says Jorgensen was not even close to reaching his potential, and he’d been working with him – and other Waratahs backs – on adding the extra threat of attacking kicks. That appeared to pay off in the Tahs’ win over the Brumbies, with Jorgensen setting up a try for Joey Walton via a double-touch chip-and-chase.
Lured to Sydney by the chance for a lifestyle change, Catt is six months into his new role with the Waratahs.
He caught up with former colleague Andy Farrell when the British and Irish Lions coach was in town recently on a reconnaissance trip ahead of July’s series, and though he wasn’t asked for any inside tips on Australian players, Catt is sure the hosts will provide a strong challenge.
Catt said he is firmly focused on the day-to-day job of improving the Waratahs. He is excited by both the potential of the franchise and also the size and athleticism of Australian players.
Mike Catt at NSW Rugby headquartersCredit: Hugo Carr/NSW Waratahs
“You think you know a lot [about Australian rugby] until you’re in it. … so coming out and actually experiencing it and seeing it, you’ve got some proper athletes out there – some proper, proper athletes,” Catt said.
“Now it’s just the nuances of the game. I think that, especially from a northern hemisphere … there’s a massive influence in the detail of how you do things.
“Whereas here, it’s a little bit looser and a little bit more free-flowing. So, introducing and getting a really good balance between the two, for me is what it’s about. But we’ve got some proper X-factor in the squad and we’ve got some big men.
Jonny Sexton and Mike Catt discussing tactics in Ireland camp.Credit: Sportsfile via Getty Images
“They’re big kids, 20-21-year-olds, 22-year-olds. You don’t get that in the northern hemisphere very often.
“So it’s been great. And then you’ve got your X-factor guys like, Suaalii and ‘Jorgo’ and those guys that are just exceptional football players. Just unbelievably talented. So, those marrying with the big lads, if we can get a real good cohesion between the two, we’ll be a good team in the years to come.”
Catt said the Waratahs are still a “work in progress” but made big strides in being “braver and smarter” in their attack against the Brumbies.
After playing mostly at home so far, however, the Tahs are aware they are entering a tougher phase of the season. They play four of their next five games away from Sydney, starting with the Hurricanes in Wellington (where they’ve not won since 2015).
Catt said Suaalii was fit and available for selection, but where he plays will be an interesting choice, given Andrew Kellaway has been strong at No.15 in his absence.
