It has been a season of change for Deon Cross, but as his rugby career shows, he has no issue rising to that challenge.
The 28-year-old may be the perfect example of Paul Rowley’s elite coaching methods; a player given a chance to shine after facing rejection as a youngster.
He joined the Club from Widnes Vikings ahead of 2022, where he originally established himself for two years as a regular starter at centre.
However, Cross spent his younger career on the wing and will have felt more at home during 2024, back in his natural position.
The loss of serial points scorer, Ken Sio in the off-season placed greater significance on Cross’ role to contribute with more tries.
Like usual, it was something the Blackbrook product took in his stride and finished the campaign our joint-top try scorer with 12 – alongside Nene Macdonald.
His first came in an important Round 3 victory over Hull KR, but his second and third were history-making when we visited the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Via an obscene assist from Samoan centre, Tim Lafai, Cross scored a try just minutes from full-time that signalled our first win at St Helens in over 44 years.
Speaking after the game, Cross emphasised the importance our Head Coach and the wider group place on learning the history and wanting to write some of their own.
Cross’ next try came at a crucial time against London Broncos in Round 8. Just after half-time, the winger latched onto a looping Marc Sneyd pass to acrobatically dive over in the corner.
He didn’t actually score again until the start of June, but his all-round performances in May were of an extremely high standard and saw him pick up the Club’s Player of the Month.
In fact, that was Cross’ first of three successes, with supporters also voting him June and September’s winner – making him the Salford player with the most Club accolades across the season.
We spoke to him after receiving May’s away to ask him some of your questions on his time at the Red Devils so far.
Combining with star halfback, Marc Sneyd to cross against the Broncos at home ended a run of fixtures without a try and kickstarted a real run of flying form.
He produced what is widely perceived as his best performance of the campaign against Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, where the Red Devils completed a league double over Sam Burgess’s side.
His first came from a lightning-quick break down the left, selling Matt Dufty with a delightful dummy to pile on our first-half dominance.
The next was a move of pure class and emphasised a growing connection between Sneyd and Cross as halfback and winger.
Sneyd found space on the left edge and sent a pinpoint chip for Cross to produce a Superman-esque dive into the corner – ultimately sealing a huge two points.
It was deja-vu just a week later, as the pair combined again to score one of two Cross tries against St Helens in exactly the same fashion.
June was a fruitful month for the winger and July started just as good when he opened the scoring for Salford against Hull FC.
He made a name of scoring important tries and, again – via a sensational Tim Lafai assist – crossed for a try that confirmed a home win against Catalans Dragons.
Playoffs were all-but secure, but Cross and co made sure of it by thrashing Hull FC a week later – a game where he scored his twelfth and final try of the season.
He played almost every minute of our 2024 season. With a place in the top six confirmed, Paul Rowley afforded his first grade stars, including Cross, a rest in our final regular round.
CROSS’ 2024 IN NUMBERS
Appearances: 27
Tries: 12
Try Assists: 3
Line breaks: 18
Metres made: 3778
Tackle breaks: 92
ROWLEY ON CROSS
“I just think he deserves everything he gets because he’s worked hard, he accepts criticism, he’s his own worst critic – too much sometimes!
“But what I do think is in the last month or two, he’s actually started backing himself a bit more and understanding he’s a good player as well.
“I think after so long on the sidelines and being told he’s probably not good enough, or not told directly, but indirectly because of selection or not getting where he wanted to be, then you can doubt yourself.
“But I think it’s been a bit of a process for him understanding that, you know what, he’s not a bad player, he’s a good athlete, he’s studious, works very hard and is currently reaping the rewards he 100% deserves – and everybody is please for him, his teammates and all the staff.”