[citation needed] He played junior rugby league for the Albany Creek Crushers, before signing with Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup Colts competition in 2019.

[9] In round 10 of the 2024 NRL season, Atkinson led his team to a 25–18 point win over rivals and former club, Melbourne Storm, without star halves partner Nicho Hynes.

He kicked a field goal in the 74th minute to extend their lead and seal the win for Cronulla ending a six-year losing streak in Melbourne.

[10] In round 24 of the 2024 NRL season, Atkinson kicked the winning field goal in golden point extra-time as Cronulla defeated Newcastle 19–18.

[12] On 18 December, Cronulla's arch-rivals the St. George Illawarra Dragons officially announced the signing of Atkinson on a three-year deal which will start in the 2026 season.