mfw I wake up and realise we've signed Daniel Atkinson
Feelin good
Such a fabulous signing. Not only for his significant talent on the field - his speed, his presence of mind, playmaking ability and his boot - but for those difference-making qualities that exist beneath the surface: drive, determination and resilience. One of those kids who didn't have a yellow-bricked road career handed to him on a plate. Was part of the Melbourne Storm system and got his debut in 2021 but then grafted as a part timer in the hard slog of the Queensland Cup and didn't play first grade again until 2024. I love this. He then broke out as a star.
And on top of all that, he's joining us for the right reasons too. Not strictly for money, although he's receiving a well-earned and deserved payrise to come on board. But for the opportunity to be a starting half and main man.
It's similar in many ways to his current (soon to be former) teammate Nicho Hynes. Now Hynes may be denigrated by some (not by me) but I'm hoping his journey is mirrored by Atkinson. A talented but battling squad player in a successful club is given the money, the position and the keys to the team at a lower club... Nicho Hynes went on to win a Dally M, make the finals consistently, helped turned Cronulla into a premiership contender and he seems to carve us up every time we play them.
Plus he's Italian, whats not to like