Cross living the dream

Ryan Cross has finally achieved major representative selection after almost a decade of wretched luck and misfortune, by claiming a place on Australia's bench for the Test against Ireland at Telstra Dome on Saturday.

Ryan Cross has finally achieved major representative selection after almost a decade of wretched luck and misfortune, by claiming a place on Australia's bench for the Test against Ireland at Telstra Dome on Saturday.

The overdue recognition vindicates Cross's decision to cross rugby codes last season after years of injuries denying him the chance to play State of Origin or Test rugby during his nine-year professional Rugby League career.

“That was the main reason I came across, to hopefully get a berth in the Wallabies, and this is sort of a dream that's come true after a long hard road for sure,” Cross told AAP.

“Coming across last year was a big move and I struggled a bit last year. This year, I've really felt confident in what I've been doing and I suppose I feel like I've earned my spot here and I can't wait.”

Cross, 28, appeared destined for higher honours from the moment he scored two tries on National Rugby League (NRL) debut for Sydney Roosters against Manly in 1998.

But after playing in the Roosters' first grand final in 25 years – the 14-6 loss to Brisbane in 2000 – Cross's League career was littered with disappointments.

Two broken legs sidelined him for the bulk of the 2001 and 2002 seasons, including the Roosters' drought-breaking premiership triumph in 2002, against New Zealand Warriors.

When he finally regained full fitness, Cross played in two more grand final defeats for the Roosters – in 2003 and 2004 – before joining Western Force for the 2007 Super 14 season.

“I've definitely had doubts that it never would happen,” Cross said of grand final victories and Kangaroos or Wallabies selection.

“I played in three grand finals that we lost, but missed the one we won. And a few injuries cost me and I was put in the back of the line, never quite made it.

“But I'm glad I stuck at it and I've got the reward. I've worked pretty hard and stuck with it, and I suppose it just makes it all the more sweeter.”

Cross said he felt felt right at home in rugby after playing for Australian Schoolboys in 1997 with Wallabies team-mates George Smith, Phil Waugh and Adam Freier.

“Plus I played a bit with Lote Tuqiri in the Junior Kangaroos,” he said.

“So I've played with a few of them, which is nice to reunite 10 years later.”