Dream is now reality for Cross
DEON CROSS has finally turned his heartache into a dream chance – after nine long years of trying.
Few players get their first sniff of Super League at the age of 25, but that’s exactly what Salford’s new signing has been given.
And the winger, who was rejected by home town club St Helens as a junior, is determined to grab his chance with both hands.
He said: “It was heartbreaking at the time when Saints released me. It was easy to think that was the end of the road and I’d have to get a job.”
Instead Cross returned to the amateur game and vowed to get to the top.
Impressive form saw Rochdale pick him up ahead of the 2018 Championship season, with a move to Barrow the following year and then the last two seasons at Widnes.
But it’s the rejection by Saints that has helped him finally get his chance to prove himself in Super League with Salford.
He said: “I played two years in Saints’ Under-15s and Under-16s scholarship and I maybe got a bit complacent, thinking I’d get into the Under-19s Academy.
“That decision by Saints gave me that bit more drive. If I knew then, as a scholarship player, what I know now I may have got there sooner.”
Cross has given up his job as a college sports tutor and is relishing life as a full-time professional.
He said: “It’s certainly better than working all day and training at night. It’s a massive step up in intensity in training but it’s brilliant, I’m loving it.”
Saints and England star Alex Walmsley was also a late arrival to Super League, as was Warrington’s Matty
Ashton.
Cross said: “Hopefully that shows young lads that it’s not the end if they get released by clubs.
“If you stick at it and keep working hard you can eventually get there.”