St George Illawarra Dragons utility Daniel Atkinson has expressed his team-first mentality when he got the late call-up to the fullback role in the Red V's win over the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Coach Dean Young dropped Atkinson from the NRL side following the club's Round 21 loss to the Gold Coast Titans.
Atkinson emerged to replace co-skipper Clinton Gutherson and held ownership from his axing by the club, returning with a stellar performance at the back.
"I wasn't playing my best footy, and I deserved what I got," Atkinson said.
"But I went away, worked harder, worked hard on my craft, worked hard off the field too, and I'm happy I put my best foot forward on Sunday."
Atkinson was thrust into the one jersey after Gutherson was ruled out late with a knee injury, with Young giving the keys to the Red V recruit to run riot.
The Brisbane-product made the most of his opportunities in the fullback role, despite playing most of his career in the halves.
Atkinson was close to best on-field against the Tigers, running over 180 metres, recording a try assist and six tackle breaks.
The Swiss Army knife utility is embracing the opportunity to finish the season in unfamiliar waters.
"When I first came to the Cronulla Sharks, I had my first trial game at fullback against the Knights, and since then probably played a bit in the Newtown Jets, but yeah mainly six," Atkinson said, exploring his fullback history.
"I (probably) got tipped up during the week, just (told) 'be ready'.
"Trained there at Captain's Run and then after Captain's Run got told I'd be playing there. So I just knew I had to do my job for the team and simplified my role."
Atkinson explained he went after the contest on Sunday, staying active around the ball, while also being full of praise for what his inspirational skipper does for the Red V.
"Something I take pride in is just attacking the game, no matter where, but I do like my hands on the ball and I like the freedom at one too," he added.
"I can't replicate what Gutho does. I can only do what my strengths are and play to them, so I can't be Gutho.
"Gutho's a one in a million player, but I know what my strengths are and I've got to play to them."
The Dragons are just two wins from the Broncos and have a glimmer of hope to finish the year without the wooden spoon.
They have Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Eels to finish off the 2026 season.
