Dan Atkinson was the man with the golden boot against the Knights on Sunday, drilling an extra-time field goal to get the Sharks home and keep them on track for the top four at PointsBet Stadium.
But the rookie five-eighth earned the VB Hard Earned Moment of the Match award late in regular time when he stepped up to nail a clutch sideline conversion.
With composure well beyond his 16 NRL appearances, the 23-year-old Italian international displayed ice in his veins when he placed the ball on the tee after Ronaldo Mulitalo's crucial 72nd-minute try in the north-west corner.
Atkinson struck the kick perfectly, curling the Steeden from right to left and over the black dot to level the scores at 18-18 in front of a roaring home crowd.
Having already proven his clutch credentials, it was no surprise to see the playmaker execute the match-clinching one-pointer in the 85th minute.
Making the performance all the more impressive was the fact Atkinson essentially played without a halves partner in the absence of the injured Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes. Blayke Brailey was named at halfback but spent most of his time at hooker, with Cameron McInnes helping to distribute the ball at first receiver.
VB Big Leg Up Competition
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AU amateur Rugby League Clubs (excluding junior clubs) who are registered and do not have conflicting competitor partnership/sponsorship only. Representative submitting entry must be aged 25 or over. Ends 30/8/24 11:59pm AEST. Limit 1 entry/Rugby League Club. T&Cs apply.
