Teigan Power speaks out after split with Alex McKinnon confirmed
Teigan Power has spoken out after her sad separation with former NRL player Alex McKinnon was made public on Sunday.
Respected rugby league journalist Danny Weidler broke the news in the Sydney Morning Herald, saying McKinnon had consented to the story but didn't want to comment.
However Power lashed out later on Sunday, saying the story had been published without their consent.
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“At this time, Alex and I are navigating this period of change together privately,” she wrote in an Instagram story.
“Due to our situation being made public without our consent, we are asking for our privacy to please be respected at this time.
“We are together concentrating on protecting our family and children. We have the utmost respect for each other, and are both very grateful for the people, as well as all of the support that we have in our lives!
“We understand the interest, but would really appreciate your understanding and ask you to please respect our wishes at this time.”
Power hadn't posted a photo with McKinnon since Christmas until he reappeared in some snaps she posted on Saturday celebrating the first birthday of twin daughters Audrey and Violet.
McKinnon and Power have three daughters together, all under the age of four.
The couple welcomed eldest daughter Harriet in 2018.
"There is no ill will between the pair, who privately concede that after 12 years together, from the time they were high school sweethearts, they are now more likely to find happiness on their own," Weidler reported, saying the "stress" of trying to raise a family together "took its toll on the pair".
McKinnon and Power are said to be committed to co-parenting their daughters, but will do so as friends.
Weidler reported that McKinnon declined to comment on the split but said he will do so when the time is right, acknowledging the public interest in the story.
Alex McKinnon's career tragically cut short
McKinnon was left a quadriplegic in 2014 when he suffered spinal injuries in a tackle while playing for the Newcastle Knights against the Melbourne Storm.
He played 49 NRL games for the Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons before his career was tragically cut short.
McKinnon has since left a recruitment role for the Knights and is working at Fox Sports as an analyst.
The 30-year-old proposed to Power from his hospital bed before rising from his wheelchair at their wedding in 2017.
Speaking last year after the birth of their twins, McKinnon said: “Teigan was her typical brilliant self — brave, strong and just amazing.
“It’s just so special and again I’m so thankful that Teigan and the girls are all doing so well.
"We're extremely grateful - with a million different emotions.
"I'm still trying to get my head around all that stuff like two baby seats, two cots, two high chairs… it's amazing how the rollercoaster of life works.
"I'm an only child and so we always wanted a big family. I guess we've got our wish, that's for sure."
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