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Kiwi running back Shaun Johnson burst into tears during an emotional tribute to his wife Kayla Johnson (née Cullen).
Johnson spoke at the 2020 Cronulla Sharks awards night, where he received the Porter Gallen Player of the Year medal despite a premature end to the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Johnson was goaded on the subject of his young family and immediately broke down in tears when he spoke about his wife and former Silver Ferns star, Kayla.
Anthony Au-Yeung / Getty Images
Shaun and Kayla Johnson pictured together in 2017.
“She has sacrificed her entire career to come here with me … and honestly, I can never reward you … just for believing in me when she was doing it,” Johnson said through tears.
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“For taking care of me, for giving me the best gift in the world in our daughter and I promise you … whatever comes next for us, I will support you in everything we do.
“I can’t thank you enough for doing this with me, taking this journey with me.
Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images
Sharks star Shaun Johnson leaves the field after a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture, while Roosters rival Sonny Bill Williams appears concerned.
“Thank you honey, I love you (sic),” Johnson said at the emotional tribute.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Millah, to the world in August.
The Kiwi running back parted ways with the Warriors at the end of the 2018 season and joined the Sharks soon after.
He still had a year left to fulfill his contract, but asked for a relief when it became clear that it would not extend until the 2020 season with the Warriors.
James Worsfold / Getty Images
Kayla Johnson played for the New South Wales Swifts in 2019 after moving to Australia.
Johnson said he has never been happier in his career, but refused to accept former Shark Brett Kimmorley’s joke that the Warriors were crazy for letting the star running back leave the club.
Johnson, who was still on crutches due to his injury, said he was proud to win the award because he had never won a player of the year gong in his career.
The 30-year-old will miss the first eight rounds in 2021 due to an Achilles injury.
