Season Review: Captain Josh Atkinson Believes Skirlaugh's Best Is Still to Come

As Skirlaugh continue to push towards the business end of the season, Head Coach Matt Danville sat down with club captain Josh Atkinson to reflect on the campaign so far, the standards driving the squad, and the ambitions that remain firmly in sight.

Despite a season that has already seen Skirlaugh establish themselves among the league's front-runners, Atkinson insists there is still another level to come.

"Overall, it's been a very good season, especially compared to our struggles in recent years," said Atkinson. "But I still believe our best is yet to come and I know we have the capability to step it up another gear."

One of the defining features of Skirlaugh's season has been their defensive resilience, something the squad placed a huge emphasis on throughout pre-season.

For Atkinson, those performances are about far more than tactics.

"We focused a lot on defence during pre-season and I think it's fair to say we've backed that up for the most part. That comes from passion, determination and wanting to do the hard work for each other."

That commitment has helped establish Eastside as one of the toughest places to visit, although the captain admits the side's three defeats have highlighted an area for improvement.

"All three losses have come away from home. We've worked hard to make Eastside somewhere teams don't want to come, but we also need to recognise that every away game brings that same challenge. We have to make sure we turn up wherever we're playing."

The side's resilience has become a hallmark of the campaign, and Atkinson says confidence within the dressing room has never been stronger.

"I've always believed in this group. If we turn up and play our best rugby, we can beat any team in the competition."

Maintaining standards, however, remains one of the biggest priorities.

"The standards we've set for each other are massive and it's what we pride ourselves on. Everyone has bought into that. The team makes my job easier because we all hold each other accountable and can give constructive criticism without any backlash. That's built on the respect we have for one another."

Training standards and commitment have been key ingredients throughout the season, something Atkinson believes will be crucial over the closing weeks.

"Commitment is everything in a team sport. We need to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses so we can help one another both on and off the field. Nobody's perfect, but if we listen to the coaches and keep learning, we'll continue to improve as individuals and as a team."

Personally, Atkinson has enjoyed returning to the wing after spending recent seasons in the centres.

"Moving back onto the wing suited the structure of the team and it's a position I played a lot when I was younger. I've been pleased with my fitness levels this year because that's something I didn't focus on enough previously."

The skipper also enjoys analysing his performances, using statistics to continually improve.

"I'm a big stats person and like setting personal goals, as well as targets for the backs. Shout out to our stat man Finn — being able to review every game helps us become better players."

Perhaps the most passionate part of the interview came when Atkinson reflected on what captaining Skirlaugh means to him.

Having joined the club from West Hull at the end of 2019, he says pulling on the black and amber has become much more than simply playing rugby.

"Signing for Skirlaugh was one of the best decisions I've made in rugby. This club is much more than a team — it's a family."

He also spoke about the influence of club legends and his desire to help restore the success they enjoyed.

"When you hear stories from people like Ash Simpson and Pete McWatt, you understand where this club should be. I'd love to help bring those days back to Eastside and cement my name in Skirlaugh history alongside my best mates."

Asked which players have impressed him this season, Atkinson admitted the list could have included everyone who has worn a Skirlaugh shirt.

He first praised fellow co-captains Lochlan Fitzgerald and George Thompson before highlighting three players whose contributions have stood out.

Young forward Matty Shepherdson has made an outstanding transition into the middle after originally arriving as a centre.

"He stepped into a role none of us expected and has become one of the best middles in the league. He never takes a backward step and his future is extremely bright."

Atkinson also praised right-edge partner Nathan Dunn, whose development has been clear to see.

"We've worked hard on our combinations and I genuinely think this has been his best season. His defence has been outstanding and he's scoring tries for fun."

Finally, academy graduate Makesi David earned special recognition.

"He's come into open age rugby with an unbelievable attitude. He's played wherever he's been asked and never looked out of place. I'm really excited to see the player he develops into over the coming years."

With a smile, Atkinson added:

"Our very own Samoan Carrot!"

With promotion and the National Cup both still within reach, Atkinson says the message from the leadership group remains simple.

"Nothing really changes. We know we've got a good team but talent only gets you so far. You have to give 100% every single week and enjoy the rewards at the end. We believe we can go all the way if we keep turning up for each other."

For the captain, success is clear.

"Promotion to NCL Division One and lifting the National Cup. They're ambitious goals, but I genuinely don't think they're unrealistic with the squad we've got."

Atkinson finished by paying tribute to everyone backing the club throughout the season.

"On behalf of the open age squad, I'd like to thank all of our sponsors including the Ex Players Association, Without your support, our rugby league journey would have been much harder and hopefully we can repay you with some silverware."

He also had a message for the Skirlaugh faithful.

"I hope we're making you proud and can continue to do so for the rest of the season. Thank you for your incredible support. We look forward to seeing you all down at Eastside and on our travels over the coming weeks."

With belief high, standards firmly in place and major prizes still to play for, the message from Skirlaugh's captain is clear — the best may still be yet to come.