NRL star Shaun Johnson breaks down in tears paying tribute to his wife

An emotional Shaun Johnson broke down in tears when talk turned to his wife as he celebrated a career-first honour with the Sharks.

Shaun Johnson owes a lot to his wife Kayla.

Kiwis and Sharks halfback Shaun Johnson has paid a tearful tribute to his wife and former Silver Ferns star Kayla Johnson (nee Cullen).

The former Warriors star took out the Porter Gallen Medal for player of the year at Cronulla’s 2020 awards night this week.

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During his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony, Johnson spoke about his young family and broke down in tears when speaking of his wife Kayla.

“She has sacrificed her whole career to come over here with me ... and honestly I can never repay you ... just for believing in me when I was copping it,” an emotional Johnson said.

“For looking after 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 just can’t thank you enough for doing this with me, riding this journey with me.

“Thank you, babe, I love you.”

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The couple welcomed their first child Millah Malvina Johnson in August this year.

On the field, Johnson managed to turn his year around after a shaky start to the season, finishing the year with the most try assists in the NRL with 23.

However, a ruptured Achilles brought his season to an abrupt end during the penultimate round, an injury that will see him miss at least two months into next year’s campaign.

Johnson also took out the Members’ Player of the Year and Tackle of the Year at the Sharks’ awards night.

This article first appeared on the NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission