Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako missed a game-winning field goal attempt in the 85th minute, but the Gold Coast were penalised for being offside with the scores locked at 21-21.
Erin Clark went early to put pressure on Isaako despite two warnings from Atkins and Isaako slotted the ensuing penalty goal from in front to win it.
The win snapped a four-game losing streak the Dolphins had been riding and three of those four losses came in blowout fashion.
They now sit 12th spot on the ladder, equal on points with the Titans.
