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Ryan Cross
DOB Oct 6, 1979
Born in Sydney
Position Centre
Height 191cm
Weight 95kg
c/o Fox Sports:
Former Australian Schoolboys full back Ryan Cross has returned to rugby union after a nine-year stint in league, signing a two-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union and RugbyWA today.
The 2005 Sydney Roosters player of the year will make an exciting backline combination at Western Force in his quest to gain selection for Australia for next year's Rugby World Cup.
Twenty six-year old Cross was a product of Waverly College in Sydney and played in the Australian Schoolboys team in 1996 and 1997 alongside fellow Roosters star Craig Wing, and Australia international past and present like David Lyons, George Smith, Phil Waugh, Adam Freier, Steve Kefu, Alister Campbell and Matt Dunning.
He crossed over to league in 1998, was a New South Wales City Origin selection in 2004 and 2005, and has scored more than 80 tries in over 130 first-grade appearances for the Roosters.
"In the end, I was able to make my decision with a strong focus on what I felt was best for me as a footballer and for my family," Cross said today.
"The rugby program explained to me by (Force coach) John Mitchell and (chief executive) Peter O'Meara and the opportunities and potential available in a developing rugby organisation like the Force ultimately tipped the scales in their favour.
"I also appreciated the encouraging words from (Wallabies coach) John Connolly.
"The challenge to make a successful return to rugby after so many enjoyable seasons with the Sydney Roosters is something I will certainly look forward to."
ARU chief Gary Flowers said he looked forward to Cross returning to the code.
"We lost two very talented Australian Schoolboys players to rugby league in 1998 in the shape of Ryan Cross and Craig Wing," Flowers said.
"It will be great to have Ryan back playing rugby and I look forward to seeing him return.
"He is a talented player whose previous experience in rugby should help him make a seamless transition back into the game."
Wallabies coach Connolly said that Cross was a great acquisition for the code.
"He is a good footballer and a player who I believe has a lot to offer the game," Connolly said
"We will be watching his progress with the Western Force with a great deal of interest."
Mitchell described Cross as a humble and talented player capable of providing the backline with another dimension.
"He's big and strong - a good sized outside centre who will certainly attract defenders.
"He's a good offloader of the ball, with adept footwork, and like most league players he has sound defensive technique," Mitchell said.
"What I also like about Ryan is that he's very fit and focused. He wants to be a Wallaby and we want people at this club with that kind of vision."
FOX SPORTS