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Cross played 117 games with Illawarra
from 1991-1997. At only 20 years of age, he captained the Steelers to a
narrow 11-10 loss to Great Britain in 1992. The Port Kembla junior eventually
linked up with Penrith in 1998.
Its understood that the Panthers
have paid out Cross's contract freeing him up to look elsewhere.
The 29 year old was quoted in the Illawarra
Mercury as saying he intended on finishing his career with the Dragons.
The Dragons have been shedding a number
of players over the last two seasons in an effort to stay under the salary
cap. During this time, the club has seen the wholesale departure of experienced
forwards, making the Dragons the second youngest team in the NRL competition,
with only the Nth Qld Cowboys being more inexperienced.
For 2003, St George Illawarra have
signed just two players, rookies Brett Firman (Sharks) and Lee Bennett
(Roosters). With up to a dozen players departing to other clubs next year,
the addition of John Cross to the St George back row is being viewed as
value for money.
Related
article: 08/11/02, John Cross signature confirmed - click here
Its
understood that St George Illawarra have had discussions with Penrith second
row forward, John Cross (pictured) which may see the former Steeler playing
with the Dragons in 2003.
