Jai Arrow’s heartbreaking admission as he reveals MND affecting his speech | Rugby | Sport
NRL played makes heartbreaking admission after MND diagnosis (Image: .)
Australian NRL star Jai Arrow has made a heartbreaking admission after getting the harrowing news that he has motor neurone disease and it is already impacting his speech.
The 30-year-old South Sydney forward revealed at a press conference on Wednesday, where Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly spoke on his behalf, he was suffering with the incurable condition.
He has retired from the game with immediate effect and is concentrating on his health, and spending time with his fiancée Berina Colakovic and their one-year-old daughter Ayla Rae.
In his devastating admission he said that his daughter is his inspiration.
Arrow said: “She’s at a really good age now and I am able to watch her grow into her own person.
“She has got a really funny personality and she’s my greatest strength.”
Arrow said his daughter is his strength (Image: Instagram)
When asked about being diagnosed, he told 9 News he ‘laughed’.
“Not that I laughed, but my first question was ‘all right, where do I go now?’ [It has] progressed from November until now,” Arrow revealed.
“Speech is one of those things [that is different].”
Despite what he is going through, the former Queensland State of Origin star holds determination to fight.
When asked what the future looks like he said: “To fight”.
Arrow added: “I wanted to do this to let people know I am OK and I am ready to fight.
“I do really have a lot. Nothing is gonna take me out easy.
“I wanna do everything I can – any trial, any medication that will maintain me for as long as I can.
“I want to inspire other people who have been diagnosed.”
The Rabbitohs player was heartbroken announcing his retirement (Image: Getty)
Arrow’s diagnosis and subsequent retirement were confirmed via a statement read out by Solly.
“After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I’ve recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition,” Solly said on Arrow’s behalf.
“Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition.
“Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life.
“On medical advice, I’m currently not medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I’ll be stepping away from those duties while I focus fully on my health treatment and rehabilitation.
“What I need right now isn’t sympathy or sadness. What I need is support, understanding, and privacy while my family and I navigate this difficult time.”
The forward is hugely respected in the NRL circle, and won the George Piggins Medal in 2025 as the Rabbitohs’ player of the year.
He also won the Bob McCarthy club person of the year award in 2025.
