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The lure of a Wallabies jumper has prompted in-form centre Ryan Cross to re-sign with the Western Force and Australian Rugby Union for another three seasons.
The former Sydney Roosters rugby league star will remain in the 15-man code until after the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
And in another development in the west, it seems assistant coach John Mulvihill will be based in Perth for a while longer as well, after being told he is out of the race to coach the NSW Waratahs.
While Cross was celebrating today, Mulvihill was left disappointed with word from the Waratahs he would not be required for a second interview.
Cross, 28, said the goal of a possible World Cup appearance in 2011 – having come close to a shock call-up last year – was a massive incentive.
“I had a bit of time with the boys in camp last year, learned a little bit and that was a great experience. Hopefully in years to come I can get towards that and be part of the Australian team at some stage,” Cross said.
“It would be a great way to finish my career.”
A former Australian schoolboys representative, Cross returned to rugby in 2007 after nine seasons of top-flight league and made an immediate impact in his debut Super 14 season.
He went on to play five matches for Australia A during the Pacific Nations Cup tournament.
His 2008 form has also been impressive with man-of-the-match performances for the Force against the Lions and Highlanders.
Cross’ versatility, with an ability to play in the centres, wing or even fullback, will be one of the main attributes new national coach Robbie Deans is sure to consider, as well as an inevitable positive reference from Force mentor and good friend John Mitchell.
“This year I have taken a few steps forward in a lot of areas, and I wanted to carry on from that,” Cross said.
“A lot more players have a lot more trust in me. That first year came and went so quickly, but I learned a lot and sat back and knew I had to learn a lot of things.
“Thankfully I have been injury free and been able to play a lot of rugby in the last year and a half, so I think that is the main reason – confidence is starting to build.”
Cross hinted he could spend the rest of his career in Perth, saying the relative anonymity compared to Sydney suited him perfectly.
“It is a massive difference to being in Sydney. Over there, there is a lot of focus on the two rugby codes,” he said.
“Over here, it is getting better but obviously AFL is bigger.”
Cross joins Scott Staniforth, Cameron Shepherd, Nathan Sharpe, AJ Whalley and young lock Tom Hockings in making long term plans in Perth.
With Matt Giteau still remaining the Force’s highest priority – having committed long-term to the ARU but not the Force as yet – recruiters are also confident of persuading teenage powerhouse David Pocock to stay in Perth.
They also have their eye on Reds prop Stephen Moore, and Waratahs duo Josh Valentine and Rocky Elsom.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.