Cross signs with the ARU and Western Force

Sydney Roosters’ centre Ryan Cross has signed a lucrative two-year deal with the ARU and will play Super 14 Rugby for the Western Force.

There had been speculation since March that Cross, along with St George-Illawarra Dragon playmaker Mark Gasnier, has been on the Australian Rugby Union’s shopping list ahead of a tilt at reclaiming the coveted World Cup trophy in Europe next year.

While negotiations between the ARU and Gasnier did not eventuate into an official signing, the move on Cross was made easier after the news that his NRL club, the Sydney Roosters, last Thursday formally withdrew their offer to the star centre.

Roosters’ CEO Brian Canavan said last week: “Ryan has given nine years service to the Roosters but we need to plan our playing roster for next season and need to move on.

“It is always sad to lose an outstanding club man and a key part of the Eastern Suburbs community.”

It has been widely known that the Western Force had been chasing the talented centre, who was a former Australian Schoolboy with Rugby Union in 1997, before switching to Rugby League.

In negotiating a new deal for his client, Cross’ manager John Fordham held discussions with various clubs in both league and union: NRL rivals, English Super League, the ACT Brumbies and the NSW Waratahs – along with the Force.

In the end the Force made the best offer of all, with the move to Perth harbouring an opportunity to run out along side a star studded backline featuring Scott Staniforth, Cameron Shepherd, fellow new recruits Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.

The Western Force this week confirmed winger Josh Graham, who played predominately as a reserve, is heading back to Rugby League after signing with the new Gold Coast franchise, the Titans.

Graham will continue with the Force until October, and is likely to play a key role in the newly formed Australian Provincial Competition, in which the four Super 14 franchises will contest.

The decision for Graham was made easier with the news of the signing of Cross, by the Force, was imminent.

“A lot of my friends are on the Gold Coast and my family is nearby, it was a terrific offer from the Titans,” said Graham.

“I only had one year in rugby league (with the Melbourne Storm in 2005) and I'd really like to give it another good crack."

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