Daniel Atkinson

Not to be confused with Daniel Atkinson (biochemist).

Daniel Atkinson (born 15 January 2001) is an Italy international rugby league footballer who plays as a five-eighth or halfback for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League (NRL).

Daniel Atkinson

Personal information
Born	(2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 24) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Height	185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	89 kg (14 st 0 lb)
Playing information
Position	Five-eighth, Halfback
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2021 Melbourne Storm 1 0 0 0 0 2023– Cronulla Sharks 20 5 14 2 50 Total 21 5 14 2 50 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2022 Italy 6 0 7 0 14
Source: [1] As of 28 September 2024

He previously played for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League.

Early life

Atkinson was born in Brisbane, Queensland and was educated at St Joseph's College, Nudgee.^{[citation needed]} Atkinson is of Italian descent.^{[citation needed]}

He played junior rugby league for the Albany Creek Crushers, before signing with Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup Colts competition in 2019.^[2]

Playing career

Early career

Ahead of the 2020 season, Atkinson was signed by the Melbourne Storm to a development contract and allocated to play for the Brisbane Tigers, making his Tigers' debut in the opening game of the 2021 Queensland Cup season.^[3]

Atkinson also played a number of games for the Victorian Thunderbolts in the Jersey Flegg Cup.^[4]

Melbourne Storm

In round 25 of the 2021 NRL season, Atkinson made his debut off the bench for Melbourne against Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks where they won 28–16. He had his Melbourne jersey (cap number 216) presented to him by Melbourne Storm teammate Dale Finucane^[2] and Football Manager Frank Ponissi.

At the end of the 2021 NRL season, Atkinson was released by Melbourne. In November 2021 he signed to play with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup.^[5][6] He would play the entire 2022 season with the Falcons.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Atkinson signed a contract to join the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks squad for the 2023 NRL season,^[7][2] later extending for two further years.^[8] Atkinson’s first NRL appearance for Cronulla, and his first top-grade appearance in two years, came as he served as an injury replacement player during the final 3 minutes of the Sharks’ round 15 fixture.^[9]

In round 10 of the 2024 NRL season, Atkinson led his team to a 25–18 point win over rivals and former club, Melbourne Storm, without star halves partner Nicho Hynes. He kicked a field goal in the 74th minute to extend their lead and seal the win for Cronulla ending a six-year losing streak in Melbourne.^[10] In round 24 of the 2024 NRL season, Atkinson kicked the winning field goal in golden point extra-time as Cronulla defeated Newcastle 19–18.^[11] Atkinson played a total of 19 games for Cronulla in the 2024 NRL season as they finished 4th on the table and qualified for the finals.^[12] On 18 December, Cronulla's arch-rivals the St. George Illawarra Dragons officially announced the signing of Atkinson on a three-year deal which will start in the 2026 season.^[13][14]

International career

Atkinson made his international rugby league debut for Italy at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup on 16 October 2022, playing in Italy's 28–4 win over Scotland.

Statistics

Year	Team	Games	Tries	Goals	FG	Pts
2021	Melbourne Storm	1	0	0	0	0
2023	Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks	1	0	0	0	0
2024		19	5	14	2	50
2025
Career totals		21	5	14	2	50

^[15]

References

1. "Daniel Atkinson - Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project.
2. "Atkinson brings utility value to the Sharks". sharks.com.au. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
3. Tabet, Melissa (4 April 2021). "Debutant's the new word". Brisbane Tigers. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
4. "18th Man - Daniel Atkinson". 18thman.com. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
5. "SC Falcons - Dan Atkinson signed". facebook.com. Sunshine Coast Falcons. 8 November 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
6. Edwards, Colleen (10 March 2022). "Sunshine Coast Falcons: Cup gains and losses for 2022". qrl.com.au. Queensland Rugby League. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
7. Pryde, Scott (3 February 2023). "Sharks set to add spine depth following injury troubles". Zero Tackle. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
8. Pryde, Scott (29 May 2023). "Sharks re-sign young back after impressive form". Zero Tackle. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
9. "Daniel Atkinson". Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. 9 February 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
10. "Remember me! Atkinson returns to Melbourne to sink Storm". 11 May 2024.
11. "Atkinson the hero as Cronulla all but extinguish Knights final hopes". www.smh.com.au.
12. "The Mole's end of season review: Awkward Sharks puzzle laid bare after $1m star 'lost his way'". www.nine.com.au.
13. "Dragons secure Atkinson for 2026". St George Illawarra Dragons. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
14. "Storm young gun's bumper deal; real reason for playmaker's switch to rival: NRL Transfer Centre". www.foxsports.com.au.
15. "Daniel Atkinson". Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Retrieved 30 July 2024.

External links

• Rugby League Project profile
• QRL profile
• 18th Man profile
• Italy profile