News

Cross to remain a Force

April 25 2008

Ryan Cross has re-signed with the Western Force on a new three-year deal which ties him to Australian rugby until at least 2011.

Returning to rugby union in 2007 after nine seasons of top-flight rugby league, Cross made an immediate impact in his debut season with the Western Force, scoring three tries and forging his way into the representative arena.

The 28-year-old played five matches for Australia A during the Pacific Nations Cup tournament, narrowly missing out on a place in the 30-man Wallabies World Cup squad.

His 2008 season has continued in similar vain, with the quiet but powerful centre earning man-of-the-match honours against the Lions and Highlanders before scoring the match-winning try against the Bulls at Subiaco Oval earlier this month.

Cross said that he had re-adapted to the fifteen-man game after a 143-match NRL career with the Sydney Roosters.

"I'm definitely more comfortable in rugby now that I've had 12 months in the game and have really enjoyed playing for the Force this season," Cross told the franchise's website.

"Having a full pre-season at the start of the year certainly helped but I've tried to increase my involvements and get my hands on the ball more often and it seems to be paying off.

"Every Super 14 player in Australia wants to play for the Wallabies and that is definitely a goal of mine.

"I watched with plenty of interest during the World Cup in France last year and it's something that I'd love to be a part of in 2011 in New Zealand. It would be a great way to finish my career."