Jai Arrow reveals shock motor neurone disease diagnosis aged just 30 | Rugby | Sport

Rugby league representative player Jai Arrow has revealed a devastating medical diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) aftter months of testing. He was Souths’ reigning player of the year, however, he has not played in NRL in 2026 after an issue suffered in pre-season that at the time was described as a shoulder injury.

At a South Sydney press conference on Wednesday an emotional Arrow, 30, was “not in a position to speak”, but had a written statement read out. “After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition,” he said.

Arrow continued: “Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life.

“Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition.

“On medical advice, I am not currently medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I will 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.

“This is only part of my story, and when the time is right, I’ll share more. But for now, I ask everyone to respect my privacy while I continue working with my doctors and my family.”

MND is a rare, progressive and life shortening neurological condition which currently has no cure. The fast moving disease attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work and can get worse over a period of months or years.

Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said Arrow, his wife Berina and daughter Ayla were “very much part of the Rabbitohs family”.

“We all know how difficult the past few months have been for Jai, but we also know that he will fight this illness with the same bravery, passion and character that was the hallmark of his playing career,” he said.

“Jai and his family will always be Rabbitohs and they will be part of this club for many years to come.”

Souths coach Wayne Bennett described Arrow as “an honest, genuine, hard-working young man” who always puts his family and team before himself.

“He has always been the same,” Bennett said. “This is a difficult time for Jai and his family, however we want to pay tribute to him for everything he has given his teammates, his coaches and his communities in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the people of Queensland, and here in south Sydney.

“Most importantly, we pay tribute to him for the family man he has become. He is a special guy and we’re all very lucky to have him at our club and in our lives.”

During a career spanning a decade Arrow has played a total of 178 NRL matches across the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, and South Sydney Rabbitohs. He has also represented Queensland in 12 State of Origin appearances.

In the 2025 NRL season Arrow played every game for South Sydney and saw him crowned Souths’ player of the year.