NRL Market Watch: Emerging Sharks star Daniel Atkinson agrees to three-year deal with the Dragons
St George Illawarra has picked the pocket of its bitter rival, poaching one of the best emerging playmakers in the NRL from Cronulla. See the full contract details.
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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.
DOGS CLOSE IN ON KNIGHT
The Bulldogs have stepped up their chase to land Leo Thompson after meeting with the Knights international on Wednesday.
It is understood that Thompson met with Canterbury officials on Wednesday as he contemplates a move away from Newcastle.
The Raiders have also met with Thompson in recent weeks with Canberra offering a rich deal to entice the prop back to the club. Thompson played lower grades at the Raiders before joining Newcastle.
The Knights have made it known they don’t want to lose Thompson and have put together a multi-year deal for the 24-year-old who has flourished at the club since joining Newcastle in 2022.
Thompson is on an extended break from the Knights after representing New Zealand at the end of season Pacific Championships.
His twin brother Tyrone joined the Knights this season after deciding to switch codes following a successful stint in Super Rugby.
Originally published as NRL Market Watch: Emerging Sharks star Daniel Atkinson agrees to three-year deal with the Dragons
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