Cronulla cruised into the top-four this season to book a meeting with Melbourne in a qualifying final, as they try to finally snap their losing run in September under Craig Fitzgibbon.
The Sharks managed to secure fourth spot on the ladder thanks to an unheralded young gun who, prior to this campaign, had made just two appearances in the NRL.
Daniel Atkison has quickly become an integral member of Cronulla’s side since being brought in at five-eighth in Round 8.
In his 15 starts to date, the 23-year-old has been on the winning side 10 times, while often playing a role in the halves during the periodic absences of Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes.
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Nicho Hynes pays tribute to unheralded young gun Daniel Atkinson
Atkinson, who initially got his chance after Trindall was suspended for an off-field indirection, oversaw two separate four-game winning streaks in the middle of the campaign while donning the No.6 jersey.
"We wouldn’t be in the position we are right now without Daniel Atkinson," Hynes said.
"Tricky has spent some time out and I’ve spent some time out and he was a mainstay throughout that middle part of the year.
"I can’t speak highly enough of what he’s done for the club this year. I dare say we wouldn’t have finished in the top four and wouldn’t be in this position to head down to Melbourne, if it wasn’t for him holding the fort down."
Atkinson will head to AAMI Park for the second time this year after playing a starring role in the Sharks’ victory over the Storm in Round 10.
It was a sweet feeling for the Brisbane-born product who actually made his NRL debut for Craig Bellamy’s side against Cronulla back in 2021.
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"The first time he took the game by the scruff of the neck was against Melbourne," Hynes said.
"I got ruled out on captain’s run that day and he said to the boys, 'I’ve got this, don’t worry'. So, it just shows the confidence he has and the confidence the boys have in him.
"He’s shown what he can do throughout the year - he’s got ice in his veins.
"I’m really proud of him because he deserves everything he's getting."
