Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Daniel Atkinson opens up on magical NRL performance against Storm

It was the gutsy and gallant performance that defied his lowly experience in the top grade. But when you begin to dig below the surface with Daniel Atkinson, you realise it was a game built on years of hard work. The Shark takes us inside his mindset after the Melbourne Miracle.

Daniel Atkinson of the Sharks in action. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

Former Queensland and New South Wales Cup star Daniel Atkinson has stamped his feet in the NRL after a thrilling individual performance for the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday.

But the rookie five-eighth is no overnight sensation.

It’s been a wild ride for the 23-year-old, who first debuted for the Storm in round 25 of the 2021 season, before parting ways with the club and falling back to the Sunshine Coast Falcons in 2022.

The crafty halfback went on to produce a standout season for the yellow and black, recording three tries, nine try assists, 361 tackles and an average of 68 running metres from his 20 appearances.

At the beginning of 2023, the Italian international was gifted a second chance to fulfil his rugby league dreams when signing with the Cronulla Sharks.

Atkinson was a regular for the Sharks feeder club, Newtown Jets, in NSW Cup and with a total 19 NRL minutes to his name since 2021 the carpenter continued to bide his time.

On Saturday night, against his old side no less, Atkinson steered the Sharks to their first win at AAMI Park since 2018 with a stunning 25-18 victory.

Daniel Atkinson of the Sharks in action against the Storm at AAMI Park. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

Daniel Atkinson of the Sharks in action against the Storm at AAMI Park. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

As an injured Nicho Hynes watched on from the coaches box, Atkinson put in a man of the match performance with 12 runs, 17 kicks, 19 tackles, four conversions and a field goal that broke an 18-18 deadlock with six minutes to play.

“I’d be lying if I said I’d had kicked a drop goal in a game before,” he said with a laugh.

“It couldn’t have been a more crucial moment and it’s the stuff kids dream of.

“If you were to tell my 10-year-old self that I would be kicking a field goal against my home team, at AAMI Park I’d be laughing.”

His shot from about 20 metres out helped the Sharks take a 19-18 lead before Siosifa Talakai iced the game with a try from the restart.

“Obviously losing Nicho with not long to prepare for the game, it was a really special win to show how courageous the boys are,” he said.

“I was buzzing after the game and it was really nice to catch up with a few old Storm mates and the staff after the game.”

Match Highlights 🎥 - #NRLStormSharks

The Sharks overcame the absence of star playmaker Nicho Hynes to break a six-year drought at AAMI Park! pic.twitter.com/MV6vLfzri6

— NRL (@NRL) May 11, 2024

With Braydon Trindall stood down, Atkinson has now slotted in at five-eight for three straight rounds picking up wins in all three.

“It’s been good, I’ve obviously got heaps of areas where I need to improve but it’s about doing the video, training hard during the week to see where I can help the team,” he said.
“Obviously nothing is permanent, I’ve just got to keep putting my best foot forward and helping the team wherever I can.”

Daniel Atkinson playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons during the 2022 season. Picture: Phil Bradeley Sports Photography.

He said his focus remained week to week but hoped to reflect on his journey to the NRL when he could.

“I haven't looked back on it as much as I would’ve liked to but it would be cool to sit down and think about all the ups and downs,” he said.

“That feeling of leaving the Storm, going back to full-time work and playing footy for the Falcons to then see where I am now is quite special and something I’m proud of.

“There’s plenty of guys coming through the ranks that have plenty of talent but my key message would be to just enjoy your footy and enjoy playing with your mates.

“Like it happened for me you never know when you might get that call so you’ve just gotta keep putting your best foot forward.”

The Sharks now sit top of the table with eight wins and one loss and will take on the Roosters in round 11.