2024 NRL Signings Tracker: Dragons poach playmaker; Bateman finds new home
Cronulla Sharks utility Daniel Atkinson is set to step into a primary playmaker role after signing a three-year deal with the Dragons.
The 23-year-old will play out the final year of his contract with the Sharks before joining St George Illawarra in 2026 on a deal that will see him remain with the club until the end of 2028.
Atkinson impressed in 2024 when filling in for Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes across 19 games for Cronulla and is set to take on greater playmaking responsibilities at the Dragons.
The Italian international will join Lachlan Ilias as a halves option at St George Illawarra, while Kyle Flanagan is contracted through to the end of 2025.
“We’re really happy to be welcoming Daniel to the club in 2026,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.
“He’s a classy player who has shown an ability to cover multiple positions as well as a strong competitor who will come in and improve our squad as a whole.
“We have a big year ahead with a squad which will improve further in 2025 and look forward to welcoming Daniel for the 2026 season.”
England international John Bateman is set to play a mentoring role for the North Queensland pack after signing a two-year deal with the Cowboys.
The forward will join the club immediately after being granted a release from the final two years of his contract with the Wests Tigers.
Bateman has signed with the Cowboys for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, joining a pack featuring Reuben Cotter, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame, and North Queensland officials are looking for him to mentor his younger teammates on and off the field.
“We have been in the market for an experienced forward with the ability to play either in the middle or on an edge,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
“John bases his game around defensive intent and willingness to compete in every situation – a couple of areas we’ve made no secret we want to improve significantly on in 2025.
