ALEX McKinnon has been moved to a Sydney hospital from Melbourne a day after announcing his engagement to long-term partner Teigan Power.

The Newcastle Knights released a statement on the transfer on Tuesday afternoon.

McKinnon has been in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne since fracturing his C4 and C5 vertebrae in a tackle against the Melbourne Storm two weeks ago.

News of the transfer comes the day after McKinnon announced his engagement to his long-term partner Teigan Power — and vowed to walk her down the aisle.

The young backrower has captured the hearts and minds of the entire rugby league community as he recovers from the devastating neck injuries.

From his hospital bed, McKinnon took to social media to share a photo of himself and his partner with an accompanying message saying the couple are engaged.

A huge outpouring of emotion followed the announcement early last week of the long-term prospects the 22-year-old faces.

Knights fans and the NRL community rallied behind the player with a huge show of public support at Newcastle games since his injury.

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The Newcastle Knights Twitter page last night spread the good news of his engagement: “Congratulations to Alex and Teigan on their engagement #RiseForAlex.”

His Knights mates were told of the news as they arrived­ in Townsville last night for tonight’s game against the Cowboys.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal McKinnon texted his coach Wayne Bennett with the news two days ago but asked him to keep it secret.

Bennett last night confirmed the Instagram posting was genuine and that McKinnon­ has vowed to walk again for his wedding.

McKinnon and Teigan have been together since he was 16.

Teigan has kept a bedside vigil with the injured footballer since his accident.

Part of the reason he quit St George two years ago was to be closer to her home town of Aberdeen. Teigan moved to Newcastle to study at university and support his rugby league career.

A Knights official last night spoke about the engagement on the condition he was not named.

“It’s now Alex’s entire motivation­ to get up and walk again,’’ the official said.

“Who knows what will happen but that’s his plan and we are all absolutely thrilled for him.

“Knowing Alex he is capable of doing anything he puts his mind to.”