Courageous NRL player Alex McKinnon has vowed to walk his fiancee down the aisle.
The Newcastle back-rower was diagnosed a quadriplegic last week after sustaining a spinal injury during the Knights' game against the Melbourne Storm last month.
Just days after receiving the career ending diagnosis, McKinnon, 22, has announced his engagement to long-time girlfriend Teigan Power.
He made the announcement on Instagram on Sunday and also thanked Power and the community for their support.
"This girl is my soldier, I am truly overwhelmed with the support and wishes from everybody in the rugby league society and the community at large. Your ongoing support will never be forgotten.
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"PS. When life throws you struggles respond with a smile. So happy to announce Teigan and my engagement.#throughthickandthin #iwillwalkherdowntheisle" he wrote.
The announcement has been met with many congratulatory messages on Twitter from those inspired by McKinnon's courage.
"Congratulations to Alex @mckinnon92 and Teigan on their engagement #RiseForAlex," the Newcastle Knights club tweeted.
"Love the spirit of Alex McKinnon, makes Monday morning seem so insignificant. #RiseforAlex" Tony Webeck tweeted.
Sports journalist Jim Wilson tweeted: "Alex McKinnon announces engagement to his childhood sweetheart & vows to walk her down the aisle, congrats mate #RiseforAlex"
Arabaella Zucchetto added: "That's love, together in both the good times & the tough times! Congratulations to the happy couple! #riseforalex"
A Newcastle club official, who asked to remain anonymous, told News Corp Australia that McKinnon is determined to walk again.
"It's now Alex's entire motivation to get up and walk again.
"Who knows what will happen but that's his plan and we are all absolutely thrilled for him."
