Daniel Atkinson Explained

Daniel Atkinson
Birth Date:2001 1, df=y
Birth Place:Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Height:185cm (73inches)
Weight:89kg (196lb)
Year1start:2021
Appearances1:1
Tries1:0
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:0
Club2:Cronulla Sharks
Year2start:2023
Year2end:present
Appearances2:15
Tries2:4
Goals2:14
Fieldgoals2:2
Points2:46
Teama:Italy
Yearastart:2022
Appearancesa:6
Triesa:0
Goalsa:7
Fieldgoalsa:0
Pointsa:14
New:yes
Source:[1]
Updated:19 August 2024

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

He previously played for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

Early life

Atkinson was born in Brisbane, Queensland and was educated at St Joseph's College, Nudgee. Atkinson is of Italian descent.

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]

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 Storm1
2023 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks1
202414414246
Totals16414246
[12]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Daniel Atkinson - Career Stats & Summary. Rugby League Project.
  2. Web site: Atkinson brings utility value to the Sharks . sharks.com.au . 6 February 2023 . 6 February 2023.
  3. Web site: Tabet . Melissa . Debutant’s the new word . . 12 September 2021.
  4. Web site: 18th Man - Daniel Atkinson . 18thman.com . 12 September 2021.
  5. Web site: SC Falcons - Dan Atkinson signed . facebook.com . . 16 March 2022 . 8 November 2021.
  6. Web site: Edwards . Colleen . Sunshine Coast Falcons: Cup gains and losses for 2022 . qrl.com.au . . 16 March 2022 . 10 March 2022.
  7. Web site: Pryde . Scott . Sharks set to add spine depth following injury troubles . Zero Tackle . 5 February 2023 . 3 February 2023.
  8. Web site: Pryde . Scott . 2023-05-29 . Sharks re-sign young back after impressive form . 2023-06-11 . Zero Tackle . en-US.
  9. Web site: 2023-02-09 . Daniel Atkinson . 2023-06-11 . Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks . en.
  10. https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/05/12/remember-me-atkinson-returns-to-melbourne-to-sink-storm/
  11. Web site: Atkinson the hero as Cronulla all but extinguish Knights final hopes. www.smh.com.au.
  12. Web site: Daniel Atkinson . 2024-07-30 . Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks . en.