Wests Tigers in secret talks to lure Waratah Ryan Cross back to Rugby League
James Hooper
From: The Sunday Telegraph
July 17, 2011 12:00AM
**WARATAHS centre Ryan Cross is in discussions to become the latest rugby union convert to return to the NRL after meeting Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens for coffee last Thursday.\
\
The Sunday Telegraph was tipped off about the pair being spotted on the cafe strip at Darling Street in Rozelle, and Cross and the Tigers have confirmed they are in the early stages of negotiations.**
A return to rugby league with Wests Tigers would continue the Concord club's strong father-son ties, with Cross's dad Paul a cult figure at Balmain during the late 1960s and early '70s.
An 18-Test Wallaby since switching to rugby union in 2007, Cross has spent the past 12 months playing outside centre for the NSW Waratahs after four seasons with the Western Force.
When contacted yesterday, the rugby union international confirmed he was thinking about a return to the NRL.
"I do still want to continue playing football - the body feels good," Cross said.
"Definitely rugby league has always been close to my heart and I've grown up with it. It was never really something that I considered I would go back to, but now that I've been back in Sydney for 12 months it's a big possibility.
**"Obviously, my dad played at the Tigers - and I was a supporter as a kid - so hopefully something can be worked out."**
Cross is also being pursued by rugby union clubs in the UK and France.
The Tigers have made no secret of their bid to overhaul their playing roster for next season, with Andrew Fifita, Bryce Gibbs and Tim Moltzen all headed elsewhere.
There have been continued rumblings of discontent within the playing group over the changes, particularly when lock Chris Heighington was told he may be forced to the interchange bench in 2012.
The Tigers announced the signature of Melbourne Storm's Kiwi international Adam Blair last Wednesday and have also signed Eels centre Joel Reddy and Penrith prop Matthew Bell.
**Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys confirmed coach Sheens had met Cross after his father Paul contacted the club.\
\
"As I understand it, it was an opportunity just to catch up and see where Ryan was at. I think he's always maintained his love for the game of rugby league," Humphreys said.\
\
"We are unsure as to whether there's an opportunity or not there for Ryan, but we're having a chat and we'll see what comes in the next few weeks.\
\
"His father Paul did play for Balmain many years ago and he rang me about Tim and Ryan having a chat."**
Cross played 143 first-grade games for the Sydney Roosters before his move to rugby.
His return would complete the merry-go-round of rugby union converts returning to the NRL after Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers all came back.
_______________________________
Is this a sign that Sheens is planning on using Ayshford at lock next year? It might explain why he wants Heighington on the bench next year. God (And Sheens) know why 😕
James Hooper
From: The Sunday Telegraph
July 17, 2011 12:00AM
**WARATAHS centre Ryan Cross is in discussions to become the latest rugby union convert to return to the NRL after meeting Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens for coffee last Thursday.\
\
The Sunday Telegraph was tipped off about the pair being spotted on the cafe strip at Darling Street in Rozelle, and Cross and the Tigers have confirmed they are in the early stages of negotiations.**
A return to rugby league with Wests Tigers would continue the Concord club's strong father-son ties, with Cross's dad Paul a cult figure at Balmain during the late 1960s and early '70s.
An 18-Test Wallaby since switching to rugby union in 2007, Cross has spent the past 12 months playing outside centre for the NSW Waratahs after four seasons with the Western Force.
When contacted yesterday, the rugby union international confirmed he was thinking about a return to the NRL.
"I do still want to continue playing football - the body feels good," Cross said.
"Definitely rugby league has always been close to my heart and I've grown up with it. It was never really something that I considered I would go back to, but now that I've been back in Sydney for 12 months it's a big possibility.
**"Obviously, my dad played at the Tigers - and I was a supporter as a kid - so hopefully something can be worked out."**
Cross is also being pursued by rugby union clubs in the UK and France.
The Tigers have made no secret of their bid to overhaul their playing roster for next season, with Andrew Fifita, Bryce Gibbs and Tim Moltzen all headed elsewhere.
There have been continued rumblings of discontent within the playing group over the changes, particularly when lock Chris Heighington was told he may be forced to the interchange bench in 2012.
The Tigers announced the signature of Melbourne Storm's Kiwi international Adam Blair last Wednesday and have also signed Eels centre Joel Reddy and Penrith prop Matthew Bell.
**Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys confirmed coach Sheens had met Cross after his father Paul contacted the club.\
\
"As I understand it, it was an opportunity just to catch up and see where Ryan was at. I think he's always maintained his love for the game of rugby league," Humphreys said.\
\
"We are unsure as to whether there's an opportunity or not there for Ryan, but we're having a chat and we'll see what comes in the next few weeks.\
\
"His father Paul did play for Balmain many years ago and he rang me about Tim and Ryan having a chat."**
Cross played 143 first-grade games for the Sydney Roosters before his move to rugby.
His return would complete the merry-go-round of rugby union converts returning to the NRL after Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers all came back.
_______________________________
Is this a sign that Sheens is planning on using Ayshford at lock next year? It might explain why he wants Heighington on the bench next year. God (And Sheens) know why 😕
