After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and retiring in May this season, Jai Arrow has been given a way to reach a huge career milestone and finish his career with 100 games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Arrow will be named in the Rabbitohs side that will face the Gold Coast Titans, a former club of his, and the Sydney Roosters.
The 31-year-old will lead the side out and be on the field to begin the game before being subbed off.
He will be allowed to sit on the interchange while he is wearing the Rabbitohs playing kit.
With support from the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association, this will allow the one-off rule that allows the Rabbitohs an extra player in their team lists and interchange.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly spoke about the club’s proposal being approved and about getting support from the Titans and Roosters to get Jai involved.
“We are very grateful to Peter and the NRL, and Clint at the RLPA, for supporting our proposal, as well as for receiving the support for this from our opposition clubs in the Titans and Roosters, for Jai’s participation in these two games,” he said in the club statement.
“We believe this will provide great inspiration for everyone watching the game from the stadium or at home, showing that MND will not hold Jai, or anyone else, back from achieving what they want to achieve in life.
“This initiative will also help to raise awareness and funds for Jai and his fight with MND and afford him the honour of playing 100 first-grade games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, something only a select few players have achieved in their careers, and give him due recognition for the efforts he has made for South Sydney and the sport over the past decade.
“For Jai to be able to add these games to his tally against his former Club, and at a game which we believe will be close to, if not sold out, at Allianz Stadium, will be a fitting tribute to a player that has given his all to the Rabbitohs, Titans, Broncos and Queensland throughout his playing career.
“His fight against MND has already been inspirational, and we can’t wait to welcome Jai back onto the field for two more games to inspire everyone connected with Rugby League and in society in general.”
Peter V’landys expressed how much it means for the game to celebrate Jai and his battle with MND.
“The game of Rugby League is so much more than what happens on the field. At times it is the conduit to bring out the best of humanity. This thoughtful gesture by the South Sydney Rabbitohs shows the true heart of our game. Jai has inspired millions of people around the world with the courage and strength he has shown in his fight with MND. He is not only a great player, but an extraordinary person. Reaching 100 games for the Rabbitohs is a special achievement, one that Jai, his family and everyone who has supported him should be incredibly proud of. The entire Rugby League community stands with Jai and is honoured to celebrate this remarkable milestone with him.”
Clint Newton, the CEO of the RLPA, praised the club for their idea and for supporting Jai.
“South Sydney, led by Blake and Wayne, deserve a lot of credit for thinking about Jai and finding a special way to show their support for his difficult and unprecedented circumstance.
“It speaks to how highly regarded Jai is by the people around him and the strength of the rugby league community when one of our own needs our love and support.”
“It’s devastating for Jai and the Arrow family, and I haven’t experienced a circumstance like this in my time in the game. Jai is a great person. It’s been incredible to see the rugby league community and broader sporting community get behind him and his family in such extraordinary ways of late.”
Arrow played 178 games in the NRL prior to his unexpected retirement, with 98 for South Sydney, who he joined in 2021.
The former Bronco and Titans forward did not reach 100 games for any of his clubs until this proposal by the Rabbitohs.
A win on Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium also locks in a finals spot for the Rabbitohs.
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