Kiwi netballer Kayla Cullen is reportedly moving to permanently join her 'other half' in Australia.
The Silver Ferns defender will relocate Sydneyside to join rugby league-star fiancé Shaun Johnson in Cronulla, according to NZME.
Johnson made the move across the Tasman, after his off-season signing with the NRL's Cronulla Sharks on a three-year deal, bringing his six-year tenure with the Warriors to an end.
Cullen hinted at the move on Instagram, sharing an image of their house being packed up, with the caption "Last day in our home @shaun_johnson90". Johnson then added "Exciting times ahead" with a pair of Australian flag emojis.
With Cullen's contract with the ANZ Premiership's Northern Stars expiring at the end of the season, she's likely to follow in Johnson's footsteps and sign on to play in Australia's Super Netball competition.
The timing of her move would depend on her selection to the Silver Ferns for the Netball World Cup. If she earns a place on the squad - highly likely, given her form for the Stars - she'd leave in late July at the end of the England tournament.
If not, Cullen would be free to leave - at the very latest - at the start of June, depending how deep the Stars go in the finals.
The 27-year-old has been plagued by injury in recent years, but at her best she's is one of New Zealand's strongest at her position.
Playing in Australia wouldn’t necessarily mean an end to her Silver Ferns career. Both Laura Langman (Sunshine Coast Lightning) and Maria Folau (Adelaide Thunderbirds) have been granted exceptions to play abroad and still wear the black dress.
Cullen and Johnson have been engaged since May 2018.
Newshub.
