Wigan prop Ben Cross could return in the Super League play-offs after making a surprisingly quick recovery from a broken arm.
Wigan prop may make return from broken arm in play-offs
Wigan prop Ben Cross could be available to play in the Super League play-offs after making a surprisingly quick recovery from a broken arm.
The former Leeds player was a surprise short-term signing by the Warriors after he was released by the Rhinos two months ago, but made only four appearances for them before breaking his forearm in August.
The injury was expected to sideline him for the rest of the season but the 32-year-old had his plaster cast removed after a fortnight and has trained with the team since then.
And Wigan coach Michael Maguire has even said that Cross, who is joining Super League new boys Widnes next season, could play against St Helens in Sunday's qualifying play-off at the DW Stadium.
"There is a chance. Crossy has actually been training with us in the last couple of weeks with a guard on," Maguire said.
Coming good
"He's starting to come good and the surgeons are all saying the right things so hopefully we might have a player on our hands there when it comes to selection time.
"At first we thought he was going to be out for the rest of the season but the surgeon has done a great job and the medical staff have been working extremely hard.
"He's been training the whole way through. He's a pro and looks after himself and does the right things."
Cross played in the Challenge Cup semi-final win over St Helens and, with fellow forward Gareth Hock missing through suspension, Maguire admits it would be tempting to throw the veteran front rower into the action.
He added: "To have someone of Ben's experience around is definitely going to help us. He's been through final series with Melbourne and played in many big games."
St Helens coach Royce Simmons says he expects to have Leon Pryce, James Roby, Francis Meli, Sia Soliola and Jamie Foster available after they sat out Saturday's win over Harlequins.
