Highly recommended Cross keen to make switch across to Rhinos

Cross, 31, a one-time target of Salford and a Grand Final winner with Melbourne Storm, has agreed a two-year deal with the Rhinos and becomes their first new signing for 2011.

He will join Leeds for the start of pre-season training after gaining a release from the final year of his contract with the Knights.

Leeds coach Brian McClennan said that Cross had been recommended to the club by hooker and former Knights team-mate Danny Buderus.

Cross made his debut in the NRL with Canberra Raiders in 2003 and twice represented New South Wales in 2008, when he was captained by Buderus.

He was named in Australia's preliminary squad for the 2008 World Cup but missed out on final selection.

"Danny speaks very highly of Ben and we are pleased he has agreed to join us," he said.

"It is important when you sign anyone, but especially someone from overseas, that they understand our culture as a club and want to be part of that and Ben certainly fits the bill for us."

Cross added: "I really appreciate the support I have had from the Knights. I spoke to Danny Buderus about Leeds and he could not speak highly enough about the city, the club and his team-mates and that made my mind up."

England's women crashed to a 44-6 defeat at the hands of world champions New Zealand in the first match of a two-Test series in Whangarei.