Marquee recruit Daniel Atkinson will remain exiled from St George Illawarra's starting team for at least another week after Lyhkan King-Togia impressed in his place.
Ex-Cronulla utility Atkinson has not lived up to his billing as the Dragons' key acquisition for 2026 and was benched following last week's disappointing loss to Gold Coast.
He did not make it onto the field in Friday's 28-22 defeat to the Dolphins, with halves pairing King-Togia and Kyle Flanagan both producing nice moments in his absence.
King-Togia notably made a try-saving tackle on Dolphins wrecking ball Kulikefu Finefeuiaki as Saints defended their line, and helped set up their third try.
The 21-year-old floated a beautiful cutout ball to Tyrell Sloan, who tore down the left wing and passed inside for Clint Gutherson to score.
"Lyhkan will be five-eighth next week because of that performance he put in tonight," said Dragons coach Dean Young.
"I thought he defended great tonight ... He should only get better from here on."
It's game on! 😤 #NRL pic.twitter.com/DqzFYfK8B4— NRL (@NRL) July 31, 2026
Atkinson and second-rower Luciano Leilua will play reserve grade on Saturday after going unused against the Dolphins.
It is believed Dragons coaching staff want to see better tactical kicking from Atkinson, whose booming boot has not always translated into points this year.
"(Leilua and Atkinson) know what they need to work on. I'll be watching their game," Young said.
Former Cronulla utility Atkinson is contracted through 2028 but his task to become a regular starter will only become more difficult next season.
Luke Metcalf and Kodi Nikorima will soon arrive from the Warriors and Dolphins, respectively, as part of the rebuilding Dragons' bumper recruitment drive.
Kyle Flanagan and King-Togia are also contracted for 2027.
Highly-rated youngster Kade Reed remains in the selection picture as well and may return from a finger injury via reserve grade next week.
Nikorima, who set up a try in Friday's game, welcomed the chance to compete with Atkinson and the other halves for opportunities.
"That's how you build good teams," Nikorima said.
"You need competition within the squad. It only makes me better and it will only make them better. l'm excited."
The Dragons look set to claim their first wooden spoon as a joint venture this year and will take a 2-17 record into round 23.
But the club is already looking to the future, re-signing brothers Ryan and Toby Couchman until the end of the 2030 season.Â
Since making their NRL debuts in 2023, the Dragons academy graduates have become key members of the side's forward pack, enjoying regular minutes this season.Â
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