Sharks star Nicho Hynes has admitted he’s “filthy” about teammate Daniel Atkinson’s move to the Dragons, but concedes such transfers are increasingly common in the modern NRL.
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Speaking at the Sydney Children’s Hospital on Friday, Hynes said “these things happen and I’m filthy about it”, noting the off-field value Atkinson brings to Craig Fitzgibbon’s side.
“He’s a great person. He’s a better person than he’s a footy player and he’s someone that everyone loves having around the club,” he said.
“It sucks to lose anybody but in particular somebody like Atko who filled in so nicely for us this year and is a mainstay in our team now.
“He’s an infectious person.”
A Brisbane boy, Atkinson’s journey to the Shire came via a brief stopover at the Storm, who he made his NRL debut for in 2021. After spending time on the fringes of Fitzgibbon’s side, 2024 saw Atkinson’s standing in the game explode following several stellar performances, notably when Cronulla were without Hynes and Braydon Trindall.
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The highlight of the 23-year-old’s breakout season came in Round 10 against his former club, where he led an understrength Sharks side to victory against Craig Bellamy’s outfit, kicking for 538 metres to go with four conversions and a field goal.
Atkinson’s deal, reportedly worth $500,000 per season, proved too valuable for Cronulla to match given their cap constraints.
At present, Cronulla have Cameron McInnes, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Will Kennedy and Tom Hazelton, among others, off contract at the end of next season, with the club struggling to re-sign all to deals beyond 2025.
For Atkinson, the move presents a chance to gain regular first grade minutes, potentially in the halves alongside either one of Kyle Flanagan or Lachlan Ilias, providing greater balance to Shane Flanagan’s side.
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