Deon Cross hopes that taking a step back will enable him to advance in his career yet again.
With the exception of one game, the 27-year-old has had two outstanding Super League seasons with Salford after moving up from Championship team Widnes.
Cross was primarily a winger before joining the Red Devils, but he made his breakthrough in the top division as a centre, and he plans to go back to that position this season.
Only new recruit Ethan Ryan, who was reportedly forced to miss the season’s opening match against Leeds due to a wrist injury, remains the team’s starting winger after Joe Burgess and Ken Sio left during the off-season.
Cross, who has worn the number-five shirt for Salford and scored 49 tries in 90 games for Rochdale, Barrow, and Widnes, grinned and said, “I’m rolling back the years from my Championship days.”
“Salford originally signed me as a winger. Originally a fourth-choice winger, I started at centre!
“Right now, I’m training there (on the wing). I’ve not played there in two years, so I’m simply trying to brush up on my memories. I’m sweeping the cobwebs from my eyes and getting back on the wing.
“Being a centre helps you grasp the center’s thoughts and actions, which will improve your winger skills.”
Cross, who underwent a hernia operation during the off-season, has worked well with prolific try-scorer Sio, who has returned to Australia out of compassion, over the previous two years.
In that time, veteran Sio has served as a mentor to Cross. Cross can also turn to Krisnan Inu, Salford’s assistant coach, as another excellent winger.
He told League Express of Sio, “He took me under his wing right away when I first signed for the club.”
He taught me a lot of things. I will be doing the right thing if I can only be half as good as he is.
“On that right edge, we worked well together and understood one another well.
“I think that this year’s run on the wing will benefit me now. I’m eager to witness my performance.
Since playing for the backup Knights in 2022, Cross has had his sights set on not only winning at Salford but also being a member of the England team.
“I want to get going and hopefully make that England squad if I can,” he declared. All I have to do is continue to concentrate on performing well for Salford, and maybe other opportunities may present themselves.
Many of the Knights’ boys made it to the first team the previous season. When you see it, you are inspired to move forward and attempt to reach their location.
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