Blow for Force as Cross joins Tahs

[travelling_gerry]

Blow for Force as Cross joins Tahs

NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian June 24, 2010, 10:18 am

Getty Images / Paul Kane © Enlarge photo






Western Force and Wallaby centre Ryan Cross is moving to the NSW Waratahs for the new Super rugby competition.
But the Force have picked up former Queensland centre Gene Fairbanks.
The hard-running centre, whose contracts with the Force and the Australian Rugby Union ended this year, has been in talks with the Tahs since the end of the season.
Western Force chief executive Vern Reid told thewest.com.au last week the Perth club had made an offer to Cross for next season.
"We've got a little bit of work to do there," he said at the time.
Cross, 30, who switched codes in 2007 after nine years with NRL club Sydney Roosters, had a mixed Super 14 season. He was hampered by injuries and lost his Wallabies spot.
The Force 2008 player of the year is understood to have been unhappy with the Force and was looking for a move back to Sydney, where he grew up and still has family.
However, his move, expected to be confirmed by the Waratahs today, could have a silver lining.
The Tahs also have been talking to Force back Scott Staniforth but have only one position to fill in their back line for the new season.
That means Staniforth, who also has been made an offer by the Force, could re-sign this week, although the Brumbies have shown an interest in him.
The Force can ill afford to lose both Cross and Staniforth because their centre stocks are low. Cross' departure will leave regular midfield partner Mitch Inman as the only specialist centre remaining from last season.
If Staniforth does stay, the Force inaugural player of the year could be brought in from the wing to add steel in defence at outside centre.
The Force yesterday signed former Australia A representative, Reds and Brumbies utility back Fairbanks, 27, for two years, although he is not a long-term solution to the midfield problem.
The Force are now waiting on a decision from winger Cameron Shepherd, who already has turned down an offer from the Brumbies but who is still being chased by new Super rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...ss-joins-tahs/

[Woody]

Inconsistant form for the last couple of years, injuries, don't really see it as a 'blow' to the Force.

[TOCC]

I'd interpret losing a wallaby as a blow
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[brokendown gunfighter]

ex wallaby

[GIGS20]

I'd interpret losing a wallaby as a blow
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by that token, lose a Wallaby, gain a Wallaby

Before you jump for the flame button, I don't suggest a cross-Fairbanks swap is a gain, but I don't see losing Ryan as a huge loss. No matter which way you slice it Mitch Inman dumped him from the run on team quite uncerimoniously, either way we're covered in Ryan's preferred position. If Inman is the next big thing I'd rather have that, If Cross was underperforming I'm glad he's gone......it simply wasn't working.

No animosity for Ryan, he's done everything right in my books, came over from League, avoided fanfare, worked hard and actually EARNED a spot in the Wallabies. I wish him the best, and actually hope he recaptures from for the Tahs (It sure worked for Drew, I wonder if he's still a petulant bitch)

I've been disappointed with his form this year, and have thought that being outside Giteau didn't do him any favours in the previous few years, so I hope he gets back into what he's good at which is hard, straight lines with angles to the outside and a couple of offloads.

[TOCC]

I agree..

However he is just another player who has been has been crucified by fans or leaving the force for another Australian team
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[jono]

Crucified? By who?
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[tragic]

Not sure what you mean, TOCC.
I see no crucifixion of Crossy, just disappointment in his form this last season, given that his previous years have been good. He leaves the Force with a whimper, not a bang.

[Tazzmania]

I take exception to the above posts re Drew Mitchell as not all Force fans can be generalised into running him down.

I have no problem enjoying his good performances knowing that coming to the Force was part of his growth as a player, I beleive the stint at the Force helped make him a better player.

The issue with Ryan is that he does not have age on his side, but whatever happens the past four years have helped his growth as a player and we can look on with pride that he was one of the successful league converts, ie not full of himself but got on with the job at hand.

I had no problem after the match v England at Subiaco getting a picture of Drew with my two kids.

[GIGS20]

I guess I take offence at the running down comment, because I haven't changed my tune on any of the players whom that accusation's being made about. I was calling Drew a petulant Mummy's boy halfway through his first season and was calling for him to be thrown to the wing in favour of a fullback who can actually kick. That didn't happen at the Force and it has at the Tahs. Good Show, I'm actually a bit jealous that Chris Hickey was able to get him to give up on the Fullback dream, bulk up and start playing a brand of rugby that he's very VERY good at.In my mind it's no coincidence that the resergence of Drew occurs when he hardens up and plays on the wing.

As for Gits......surely I don't have to defend myself yet again over that.

And Ryan, well read the previous post I wish him well and hope he sees some form, that doesn't get in the way of me thinking he's not much of a loss. He wasn't playing well enough for us to surplant a rookie ergo he is no loss. He might be a revelation for the Tahs, and if so, good luck to him, I still don't think continuing in a place where he's not thriving is a good idea.

ps I would only have Drew back in hindsight if he was going to do exactly what he did at the Tahs, anything else is unacceptable for both us AND Drew

[Darren]

Cross dressed in tahs kit. The sh*t is already starting to stick by teh looks of it... Ryan, Ryan, Ryan ...

[The InnFORCEr]

Cross dressed in tahs kit.

cross dressed

[almac]

No loss whatsoever... He is a has been..!!! due to be put out to pasture... And that is that...

[Burgs]

I imagine punters googling "cross dressing rugby player" or the like will be a tad disappointed...

[blueandblack]

Not a loss based on recent Force play.