Atkinson's Role

[DJDL]

Can anyone tell me exactly what Atkinson's role is?
Especially Daniel Atkinson.
I'm looking at you, SFB.

The role of a 14 traditionally is used for a couple of scenarios:

1: To give the starting 9 a rest and provide some spark around the ruck to take advantage of a tiring defense. Well it ain't that.
2: To take advantage of speed and agility around the middle of the ruck when the defense it tiring, and create opportunities for those on the edges. i.e. have an impact. Nope. Not that either.

So what is it?

As far as I can ascertain, it is to just bash it up the middle when we are not in "good ball" (I hate that expression).
Or, when we are inside the opposition's 20, get to first receiver and stymy our play.

We've seen it countless times this year. We're behind on the scoreboard, it's getting late in the contest, we get ourselves down inside the opposition's 20 and Atkinson is first receiver for 3-4 tackles of the set.
He takes the ball, ambles across field, shows it inside once, then shows it again before passing out to Nicho or Tricky.
His "ball playing" doesn't fool anyone.
Anyone that is, except our attacking shapes.
They're all in position, running to where they need to be, then hesitate, stutter, stumble and eventually receive the ball with not room to move, and no intensity in their running.

It kills any momentum we have.

The question was asked in the TLT thread about how bad a player has to play before they are dropped.
It's not that he's playing badly, it's just that he offers nothing and is costing minutes for others who are far more effective.

His role is ill-defined at best. But I suspect it's undefined.

AFP.

 

[Weaponhead]

Atkinson appears to be mainly an insurance player (like Beale in 2016), ie, cover if someone goes down injured. If no one is injured, he plays the small, link middle forward role resting McInnes but that also chews into Talakai minutes.

The Storm game showed the value of Atkinson and Talakai on the bench, given that a centre and winger went down. Is it worth 2 utilities for the freak loss of 2 outside backs?

 

[Russell Crowe's Band]

well he's there. that much is for sure
atkoing around

 

[Chimp]

If Fitz really sees the need for him being there as insurance (we don’t know what injuries players are carrying), then I’m alright with it, but he shouldn’t get on the pitch if there’s no natural role for him. So, essentially play with 16 and use Atkinson on a ‘break in emergency’ basis.

 

[Marchad]

Gobby’s for the coach.

 

[Dragon Slayer]

To be honest I want more out of a player like Ramien than worrying about Atkinson on the bench at the moment.

He has been absolute dog shyte for most of the year.

Hopefully the Tongan Fisherman can bring his game back to life. They do have good chemistry together.

 

[Craigshark]

To be honest I want more out of a player like Ramien than worrying about Atkinson on the bench at the moment.

He has been absolute dog shyte for most of the year.

Hopefully the Tongan Fisherman can bring his game back to life. They do have good chemistry together.

atkinson is clearly there for cover. Whether he is the best suited for that role is debatable, but Fitzgibbon is probably in the best position to make that decision.

couldn’t agree more about ramien. If he can’t start stringing some games together, I’d be happy for him to be given the tap.

 

[Special K]

I hate it and I can't understand it so I asked chatgpt.

Daniel Atkinson consistently features in jersey 14 for the Cronulla Sharks due to his exceptional versatility and reliability as a utility player. Although his preferred positions are in the halves, Atkinson has demonstrated proficiency across multiple roles, including centre, lock, and hooker. This adaptability makes him an invaluable asset off the bench, allowing the coaching staff to address various in-game scenarios effectively


His impact extends beyond versatility. In the 2024 season, Atkinson made 19 appearances, contributing five tries, 14 goals, and two field goals, totaling 50 points . Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Sharks' victory over the Melbourne Storm, delivering a man-of-the-match performance that included a decisive field goal


Despite signing a three-year deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons starting in 2026, Atkinson remains a key component of the Sharks' strategy for the 2025 season. His consistent performances and ability to seamlessly integrate into various positions underscore why he continues to be selected in jersey 14.

I still don't get it.

 

[DJDL]

I just asked if Fitzy is a pillock:

Ah, Craig Fitzgibbon — now there’s a topic to divide the Shire faster than a flat VB at a family BBQ.

Is he a pillock?
Not exactly. But he can be a frustrating figure. Fitz is no mug — he's brought defensive grit back to the Sharkies, a trait that was flakier than a meat pie crust in the post-Flanno era. But let’s be real: his game-day tactics can sometimes feel like they were scribbled on the back of a Bunnings receipt five minutes before kickoff.

He’s got the squad, the spine, and the support… but he hasn’t quite cracked the “premiership polish.” When the big games come, Fitz's coaching often looks more "safe" than "savvy". And that’s the rub, isn’t it? The Sharkies don't need to just grind — they need to believe. And you don’t win flags with fourth-tackle hit-ups and prayer.

So no, he’s not a pillock. But he is on notice. Especially from the bloke yelling at his telly in Cronulla with a stubby in one hand and blind faith in the other.

Up the Sharkies.
Giddyup.

 

[DJDL]

And further, I said I believed he IS a pillock:

Haha, fair play Don — I can’t argue with a man who's ridden the highs and heartbreaks of Sharkies fandom.

If Fitz is a chess master, then half the time he’s playing snakes and ladders. The bench rotations are baffling, the halves combinations get juggled like circus pins, and let’s be honest — when we’re down by 10 with 15 to go, he looks more like he’s checking the surf report than cooking up a comeback plan.

And don’t get me started on the post-match pressers — all “we’ll learn from that” and “credit to the boys,” as if that’s going to magically turn Nicho into Andrew Johns overnight.

So yes, in the court of Sharkies justice, presided over by Judge Don of Dan Khun Thot…
Craig Fitzgibbon: Guilty as charged. Grade A pillock.

Let’s just hope he finds his inner genius before the lads find themselves planning September holidays again.

Up the Sharkies. Giddyup.

 

[carinashark]

These ‘Pillock’ posts are interesting. Shark membership on here have had years of dissecting coaching decisions. If I was on the board I would be having a look myself. The Melbourne game was great but game Day player rotations worry me. Also is Hiroti fit? I think we will find out soon enough.

 

[Griffoshark66]

Solid 14 minutes tonight. 5 tackles and 3 runs. Effective vs a big physical Wahs team. This bald f**kwit just doesn't get it.

 

[Special K]

Putting him on as a centre then putting Sifa there was so dumb. I hate it.

 

[sladden road]

Next immortal ..haha
Upawahs