Cross Cleared of Seious Shoulder Damage

[Darren]

The Emirates Western Force have received some welcomed news after last night’s 25-19 loss to the Blues with Test centre Ryan Cross being cleared of serious damage to his shoulder.

The 11-Test centre injured his left shoulder midway through the first half of the WA side’s opening round loss and was eventually replaced at the 54-minute mark.

X-Rays on the injured shoulder cleared the star mid-fielder of any fracture, leaving it possible for him to return for the team’s second round fixture against the Cheetahs at Subiaco Oval next Friday night.

“We sent Ryan for a precautionary x-ray this morning and we’ve been able to rule out any fracture,” said Emirates Western Force team doctor Mark de Cruz.

“He has some bruising around the shoulder but we’ll monitor him throughout the week and hopefully he’ll be available to play the Cheetahs next Friday night.”

Prop AJ Whalley will have an MRI scan on a lower leg injury later today.

“Those guys were our two concerns this morning, but apart from the usual bumps and bruises the rest of the guys have come through the game without any major problems,” said de Cruz.

The side is also anticipating the return of Wallabies Scott Staniforth (knee) and Josh Valentine (hamstring), as well as foreign import Ben Castle (neck) for the Week 2 clash.

[robyn <3]

This is a big relief. Ryan vital in our backline. He took some major knocks last night, I'm not suprised he's sore!

Hope AJ's OK too, he was strong last night