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St George-Illawarra have blown rival clubs out of the water to lure Sharks rookie Daniel Atkinson as their future five-eighth.
The talented utility’s management has informed Sharks officials that the 23-year-old has agreed to a three-year deal from 2026 with the Dragons, where he intends to become the starting five-eighth alongside halves options Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan.
The deal is believed to be worth around $1.5 million across the three years.
It’s a significant figure the Sharks simply couldn’t match for the 20-game rookie.
Atkinson was competing for a spot in Cronulla’s spine with Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall, Will Kennedy, Kade Dykes and exciting rookie fullback Liam Ison.
Atkinson represents the Sharks first casualty from their long list of off-contract stars, having already re-signed Trindall, backrower Briton Nikora and Oregon Kaufusi.
The Dolphins also showed interest in Atkinson, who shot to fame during the 2024 season for Cronulla when he filled in for either the injured Hynes or sidelined Trindall.
The Dragons offer and the opportunity to become the club’s starting five-eighth was a decision too good to refuse.
Under the NRL rules, the Sharks have 10-days to attempt to flip Atkinson’s mind on joining their arch-rivals.
It’s that process that saw Titans enforcer David Fifita change his mind just days after agreeing to terms with the Roosters earlier this year.
Cronulla have no interest in releasing Atkinson early from what remains of his 2025 season contract.
Atkinson’s anticipated signing with Saints continues their impressive recruitment drive which includes Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Damien Cook and Ilias for 2025 and beyond.
Saturday arvo perfect for everyone ! I'll be there somewhere near the pool table 
where's Wally ? 
