The St. George Illawarra Dragons have officially announced the signing of playmaker Daniel Atkinson for the 2026 NRL season. Atkinson, currently with the Cronulla Sharks, will join the Dragons on a three-year contract. This move comes as the Dragons look to bolster their halves lineup following the departure of captain Ben Hunt.
In the aftermath of Hunt’s release, the Dragons secured South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Ilias to take over as their primary No. 7 for the 2025 season. Kyle Flanagan is expected to partner Ilias in the halves, with young talent Lykhan King-Togia providing additional depth. Atkinson’s arrival in 2026 will further strengthen the club’s playmaking options, as he is capable of playing halfback, five-eighth, fullback, and even in the outside backs.
Head coach Shane Flanagan expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Daniel to the Dragons in 2026. He’s a versatile and competitive player who will bring valuable experience and enhance our squad. With the progress we expect in 2025, Daniel will be a key addition for the following season.”
Atkinson’s performances in 2024 have earned him widespread recognition. Starting the year in the NSW Cup, he transitioned to first grade, making 19 appearances and primarily playing at five-eighth. His contributions were instrumental in the Sharks’ journey to the third week of the NRL Finals. Despite his success, salary cap constraints have made it impossible for the Sharks to retain him, as other key players, including Will Kennedy and Ronaldo Mulitalo, are also coming off contract in 2025.
Reflecting on Atkinson’s departure, Sharks star Nicho Hynes expressed his disappointment: “It’s tough losing someone like Atko. He’s not only a talented player but also a great person who’s become an integral part of our team. His energy and presence will be missed.”
Atkinson’s move to the Dragons marks a shift from his current role as a backup playmaker at Cronulla to a likely starting position alongside either Lachlan Ilias or Kyle Flanagan in 2026. While the Sharks had hoped to retain him, the Dragons’ offer provides Atkinson an opportunity to take on a more prominent role.
The Dragons’ strategic signings reflect their ambition to build a competitive squad for the future. With the addition of Atkinson, they aim to solidify their spine and maintain a strong playmaking core for years to come.