Ryan Cross Born 1979 (27 years of age) pretty distinctive on the field with a mop of curly blonde hair expect him to wear the no 13 shirt (centre) also capable of wearing the no 15 shirt (fullback). He has been signed up by the Force for 2 years.
In 2005 Ryan was voted the as the players Player of the Year at the Roosters. In 2006 the Roosters finished 14th out of 15 teams and Ryan scored an average of 1 try per game.
The Roosters are currently said to be in negotiations with a possible replacement for Ryan in the form of a Mr. Lote Tuquiri.
Ryan Cross impressed Bob Dwyer (coached the Wallabies to victory in the 1991 World Cup) so much that he invited him to play on his world XV invitational team against South Africa this year and later questioned Connollys exclusion of Ryan in the recent Wallaby Camp.
Connolly reply was that "Wallabies jumpers have to be earned"
however he added that
"I plan to touch base with them (Ryan Cross and another rugby league convert Clinton Schifcofske) throughout the year and if they are playing well during the Super 14 season they will certainly come into consideration. At this stage, the guys have to adjust to the game and it's probably not fair to name them when they have only played a handful of matches."
Although Ryans father Paul Cross played in the 1966 Rugby League Final his son , was sent to Waverly College in 1996 and 1997 was a member of the Australian School boys side , some of his team mates being David Lyons, George Smith, Phil Waugh, and Steve Kefu.
What has most impressed me about this gentleman so far was watching him marshal a group of kids at the Western Force Members day he was clearly enjoying being there and he made sure that the kids had fun too whilst maintaining control of the situation the Force should benefit from his maturity and sense of humor as well as his undoubted rugby skills hopefully we can be patient enough to give him a few games to settle back into the code of his youth.
Jan 20th Princess Park Melbourne 1st try for the force 7 minutes into Crusaders game - beautiful offload by Junior Pelesasa - which gave Ryan a chance to stretch his legs dodge some crusaders and ground the ball after a 20-30metre run.
Jan 25th Members Equity Statium Perth
39th minute
55th minuteQuote:
Originally Posted by Burgs
Feb 2nd Subiaco - picked and played at 13 Force defeated by Hurricanes 8-7Quote:
Originally Posted by Burgs
Feb 9th Capetown FORCES SECOND SUPER 14 VICTORY 22-3
34th minute Cross charged down an attempted clearance kick from Stormers fullback Gio Aplon next to the try line - the ball bounced over the try line closely followed by Cross who gave it the all important loving touch to score the only try of the match. Shepherd had no problems converting it.
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