Jai Arrow’s team-mates react as rugby star retires aged 30 with motor neurone disease | Rugby | Sport
Jai Arrow has received support from the rugby community after his diagnosis (Image: Getty)
Jai Arrow has received support from some of the NRL’s biggest names after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The South Sydney Rabbitohs forward announced his immediate retirement on Wednesday, leaving the rugby community devastated. He is concentrating on his health and spending time with his fiancee Berina Colakovic and their one-year-old daughter Ayla Rae.
Arrow, who said the disease is already affecting his speech, 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.”
Some of the biggest names in the NRL have been sending well-wishes and support to Arrow in the wake of his heartbreaking announcement.
Rabbitohs full-back Latrell Mitchell described Arrow as the “ultimate team-mate” on social media, while Souths captain Cameron Murray wrote: “One of the greats, love you forever.”
Fox League commentator Andrew Voss added: “Whatever we can do in the game for Jai, we will do. A terrific player and always been great to deal with in the media.”
Rival teams also showed their support, with the Bulldogs, Roosters, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Tigers and Knights all leaving comments on a social media post from the Rabbitohs.
The Broncos, where Arrow made his NRL debut in 2016, said: “All love, Bronco #222. Thoughts are with Jai and his family.”
The Titans, who signed him in 2018 before he joined the Rabbitohs three years later, added: “Sending love to you and your family, Titan 133.”
Arrow has revealed the disease is already affecting his speech (Image: Getty)
Arrow made a total of 178 appearances in the NRL, as well as playing 12 games for Queensland in the State of Origin series.
His diagnosis and subsequent retirement were confirmed in a statement read out on his behalf by Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly during an emotional press conference.
The statement began: “After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I’ve recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition.
“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.”
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