New details emerge about Nicho Hynes dilemma that saw Cronulla lose gun half to NRL rivals

New details have emerged about how the Cronulla Sharks were keen to keep the highly-rated Daniel Atkinson, but couldn't guarantee the young half a spot in their starting side. Atkinson has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Dragons worth $1.5 million, and will link up with Shane Flanagan's side from 2026.

The Sharks still have 10 days to try and convince Atkinson to stay, but the lure of a starting spot in the halves at St George Illawarra looks too good to resist. The Sharks have Nicho Hynes on a long-term deal worth $1 million per season, and recently re-signed halves partner Braydon Trindall.

Speaking on SEN radio on Thursday night, journalist David Riccio revealed the Sharks told Atkinson he'd be part of their playing 17 every week. But the Dragons have offered him a starting spot in the halves alongside Lachlan Ilias.

"The Sharks began this November 1 transfer period with 12 players off-contract, including Braydon Trindall," Riccio said about the tricky situation for the Sharks. "Probably at that point if Daniel Atkinson was considering 'where do I best fit into this football team', the halves are pretty log-jammed considering Nicho Hynes is on a long-term deal.

"From all my discussions with the Sharks, the narrative being told to Daniel Atkinson was 'mate, do not worry, you will be part of our 17 every single week'. The difference between what the Sharks could offer was the Dragons could go a little bit further and say 'you will be in out halves every week'.

"The Dragons also have plenty of salary cap space compared to the Sharks, who are pretty tight (for money). They just couldn't match the offer coming forward from St George Illawarra."

Daniel Atkinson a 'steal' for Dragons at $500,000

Discussing the signing on the same segment, former NRL player Denan Kemp suggested it was a bargain for the Dragons to get Atkinson on $500,000 per season. Atkinson showed in 2024 he's a genuine first-grader after a number of starring roles when Hynes or Trindall were out.

"That's a steal for a guy like Atkinson in your spine," Kemp said. "You'd assume they're trying to build into a top-4 or top-6 run. If you're in the top-8 and you're paying your five-eighth $500K, that's pretty cheap. Surely the Sharkies would have had at least $400,000 to keep him? I would have gone as high as $600,000-$650,000 - that's how high I rate him."

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Kemp also pointed out that Craig Bellamy plucked Atkinson out of Queensland Cup and signed him to the Melbourne Storm back in 2020, showing the master-coach also rated him highly. But Atkinson's career at the Storm only lasted one NRL game because the Covid-19 pandemic hit and the state leagues were shut down, meaning he had nowhere to play his reserve grade.

He moved to the Sharks and has played 20 games for Cronulla, showing his value and skill when Hynes or Trindall were missing. "Very rarely do the Melbourne Storm pick a bloke out and say 'come down and play for us'. Straight out of school he went down to the Melbourne Storm, and the only reason it didn't work out was because of the two years of Covid. He didn't get to play any footy.

"I guess the biggest question I have is did the Sharkies make the right decision in keeping Trindall, Nicho and (fullback) Will Kennedy in their spine long-term over Atkinson." When Atkinson burst into first grade and showed he belonged, there were some suggestions the Sharks could move Hynes to fullback so Atkinson could stay in the halves. But they've clearly decided Kennedy is still their No.1, meaning Atkinson has to go.