Ben Cross

Ben Cross (born 6 December 1978 in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and is a specialist coach with the PNG Hunters in the Qld Cup. A New South Wales State of Origin representative , he previously played for Canberra Raiders, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings. Early life Born at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Cross was educated at Batemans Bay High School. Ben played his junior rugby league for Batemans Bay Tigers. Playing career Cross, also known as "The Boss", had an explosive start to his National Rugby League career with a suspension for striking following his début match in 2003. He moved to Melbourne Storm, and they reached the 2006 NRL Grand Final in which Cross was selected to play from the interchange bench in Melbourne's loss to Brisbane. There was another citing for contrary conduct was made against him for an incident in the 2007 NRL Telstra Grand Final. The charge resulted in a two-week suspension.