He's best known for firing up the Shark Tank crowd at every home game at ILT Stadium Southland, but Kane Johnson has gained accolades for his day job.
The man affectionately known as "Big Daddy" is among five South Island teachers to be awarded Kupe scholarships yesterday.
The scholarships recognise highly accomplished Maori and Pacific students and supports them to complete their teaching qualification and gain further success teaching in New Zealand.
Kane is of Nga Puhi, Ngati Kahu and Ngai Takoto descent. His tipuna (ancestor) Wiremu Hoani Taua was the first Maori head teacher of a native school.
Kane is in his second year of a bachelor of primary teaching at Otago University.
I know our Shark Tank crowd will join all of us at the Sharks in congratulating Kane on this outstanding achievement.
PS: No cries of "he won't get it" here :)