GARY Cross was handed a Sevens lifeline yesterday after an injury cloud had raised doubts on his involvement at the showpiece Hong Kong event next month.
Veteran sevens campaigner Cross injured the adductor muscle on the left side of his groin and was able to participate only briefly at the weekend's Foster's National Sevens which doubled up as a trial for the Fiji and Hong Kong Sevens tournaments.
Having played only one game on Saturday for Police, and that, too, briefly, Cross was pessimistic yesterday of his hopes of being named in the training squad for both tournaments.
But national coach George Simpkin decided late yesterday to name a big squad of 18 players (the original idea was to pick 16), accommodating Cross and other injured players.
'They will have time to get over their injuries,' said Simpkin. 'I will be naming my final 10 players in early March.' The respite will be welcome for Cross, one of the most experienced sevens players in Hong Kong - having played in 33 sevens tournament. Early yesterday, he was doubtful of making it into Simpkin's plans.
'I don't think I will stand a chance with my injury. I think I can kiss goodbye to my hopes of playing in the Hong Kong Sevens this year. I will now have to look forward to the Sevens World Cup next year,' said a downbeat Cross.
