Waratahs recruit Ryan Cross could capitalise on the continuing injury misfortune of new team mate and Wallabies centre rival Rob Horne, who has been ruled out of action until at least February.

Horne, 21, started the first six Tests of Australia's 2010 program before suffering fracture and ligament damage to an elbow.

NSW coach Chris Hickey fears the young back could be sidelined until as long as next June.

"The specialist has said it (the elbow) could be right by February, but he said it could take till June," Hickey told AAP on Monday at the Waratahs' first pre-season training session.

"It was one of the those injuries where we really won't be able to know definitely till we get to February, if he's going to be right or not."

The revamped Super competition runs from mid February to early July.

Cross, whose nine Test starts in his 18 international appearances were at outside centre, acknowledged that position presented him with an opportunity to regain a Wallabies jumper.

"I had a good year last year and was the Wallabies 13 (outside centre) before I got injured, so that's a spot I will look at," Cross said.

Both Cross and veteran frontrower Al Baxter, Australia's most capped prop, conceded they faced a tough time getting back into the national fold.

Cross said, he didn't mind where he was used by NSW, who are likely to trial him in both centre positions.

Hickey reported better fitness news on two of his recuperating international forwards, No.8 Wycliff Palu (knee) and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (ankle).

"Cliffy and Tatafu are making good progress and they are probably about another week or two of rehabilitation running before they join the full program, so they will get a good month before Christmas," Hickey said.

He has supplemented his coaching staff with former Olympic and world championship sprint representative Matt Shirvington, who will perform sprint coaching until the trial matches begin.

"The type of technical drills and conditioning work that I'm giving them will allow them to convert that onto the paddock and to be able to use it in a game," Shirvington told reporters.

"The last thing we want is these guys looking like (Olympic and world 100m champion and world record holder) Usain Bolt and not been able to catch and pass a ball."

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