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Cross has signed with the club and Australian Rugby Union for one year after four seasons in Perth with the Force.

The 30-year-old, who played for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL for eight years before joining the Force, was delighted to be returning to the city of his birth and can't wait for next season to begin.

'I grew up in the area and with the Roosters I've played a lot of games here at the SFS which is one of my favourite grounds,' said Cross.

'I'm a lot closer now to a lot of friends and family which was definitely a factor in coming back.'

'I'm really excited, I had a few really good years at the Force but the Waratahs are a good side and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.'

Cross has played 18 Tests for the Wallabies but despite missing out on coach Robbie Deans' latest squad, he still harbours hopes of playing for the national side with a goal of participating in next year's World Cup.

'I was pretty happy with the back end of my season this year, the body's feeling pretty good so I think I've still got it in me to play at that level,' he said.

'I'm disappointed not to be a part of the squad at the moment, but hopefully I can play some good rugby and get another chance at the end of this year.'

'If not, then hopefully I can have a good strong season for the Waratahs and put myself in a position to be a part of the World Cup.'

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said the acquisition of Cross would add further depth to a backline which took big steps forward in 2010 and admitted that the new signing will have to fight for his position in the side.

'Ryan's a proven performer in both the Super Rugby and Test arenas, he has a lot of talent and will be a great asset to the team,' said Hickey.

'Through the representative programs he's very familiar with a lot of the players already in the squad so we know he'll fit right in with what is already a very cohesive unit.'

'The expanded competition in 2011 will mean it's more important than ever to have quality depth throughout the squad and a player of Ryan's calibre certainly provides that.'

'He's fully aware that the backline we had this year was a big reason we qualified for the semi-finals and he will have to fight hard to earn a place in it,' said Hickey.

'Like all good players, he's ready to meet that challenge head on.'

'Whenever you have competition for places in the 22 it drives all the players on to a higher level of performance and we're confident Ryan will bring to that to the squad.'

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Cross - who is managed by The Fordham Company - has signed with the club and Australian Rugby Union for one year after four seasons in Perth with the Force.

The 30-year-old, who played for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL for eight years before joining the Force, was delighted to be returning to the city of his birth and can't wait for next season to begin.

'I grew up in the area and with the Roosters I've played a lot of games here at the SFS which is one of my favourite grounds,' said Cross.

'I'm a lot closer now to a lot of friends and family which was definitely a factor in coming back.'

'I'm really excited, I had a few really good years at the Force but the Waratahs are a good side and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.'

Ryan Cross has played 18 Tests for the Wallabies but despite missing out on coach Robbie Deans' latest squad, he still harbours hopes of playing for the national side with a goal of participating in next year's World Cup.

'I was pretty happy with the back end of my season this year, the body's feeling pretty good so I think I've still got it in me to play at that level,' he said.

'I'm disappointed not to be a part of the squad at the moment, but hopefully I can play some good rugby and get another chance at the end of this year.'

'If not, then hopefully I can have a good strong season for the Waratahs and put myself in a position to be a part of the World Cup.'

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said the acquisition of Cross would add further depth to a backline which took big steps forward in 2010 and admitted that the new signing will have to fight for his position in the side.

'Ryan's a proven performer in both the Super Rugby and Test arenas, he has a lot of talent and will be a great asset to the team,' said Hickey.

'Through the representative programs he's very familiar with a lot of the players already in the squad so we know he'll fit right in with what is already a very cohesive unit.'

'The expanded competition in 2011 will mean it's more important than ever to have quality depth throughout the squad and a player of Ryan's calibre certainly provides that.'

'He's fully aware that the backline we had this year was a big reason we qualified for the semi-finals and he will have to fight hard to earn a place in it,' said Hickey.

'Like all good players, he's ready to meet that challenge head on.'

'Whenever you have competition for places in the 22 it drives all the players on to a higher level of performance and we're confident Ryan will bring to that to the squad.'

July 9, 2010