Arrow’s heartbreaking update as stunning gesture from fierce rival revealed

Jai Arrow says he “won’t be able to control his emotions” when he leads Souths onto the field in the final two rounds to bring up 100 games for the club.

He also gave fans a harrowing update on his Motor Neurone Disease battle.

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With Arrow sitting on 98 games for the Rabbitohs, the club have received the green light from the NRL and the RLPA to name the forward on their teamsheet for the final two games of the season.

Arrow‘s rugby league career came to an end earlier this year after it was revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

However, Arrow will now take the field for the opening seconds of his team’s Round 26 and 27 clashes against the Titans and Roosters respectively, meaning he tallies two more career games in the cardinal and myrtle jersey.

Arrow said he was extremely moved by the gesture before revealing a heartbreaking update.

“Trying to think what it means to me is quite difficult… There is genuinely so many emotions,” Arrow told Code Sports.

“I pray to God this never happens to anyone else in the future, and I hope this is the first and only time this ever happens in the NRL.

“I am progressing unfortunately and can’t run anymore so I will be walking.

“I can’t control my emotions, so I’m either going to cry my eyes out or laugh my head off.

“I get really stiff when I get embarrassed, so there might be a bit of a limp when I walk off but that’s the disease and I’ll be right.

“Anything that looks unnatural out there, blame MND.

“It’s going to be a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The NRL has approved a one-off rule change which will see South Sydney have an extra player on their team list and an additional interchange for Arrow to take the field be subbed off.

“The Rabbitohs put a proposal to the NRL, the RLPA and the Club Consultation Committee for Jai to ‘play’ in two more games following his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis while he is still physically able to run or walk onto the field,” a Rabbitohs statement read.

“Allowing him to receive the recognition he deserves as a stalwart of the South Sydney club and as a valuable player to the NRL and representative football over the past decade.

“Of the over 1200-players to have represented South Sydney in first grade since 1908, only 66 players in South Sydney’s 118-year history have played 100 first grade games for the club. “This one-off initiative will see Arrow join an exclusive group at the Rabbitohs as the 67th player to achieve the milestone, alongside players such as Clive Churchill, Ron Coote, John Sattler, Bob McCarthy, Eric Simms, George Piggins, Mario Fenech, Greg Inglis, John Sutton, Cameron Murray, Alex Johnston and Cody Walker.”

Arrow will lead the Rabbitohs onto the field across both of the Rabbitohs’ final two regular season clashes before he is subbed off in the opening seconds of the ties.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said “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,” he said.

“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.

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“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.”

Meanwhile, Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly added: “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.

“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.”

BRONCOS EXTEND WALSH’S BACK-UP

The Brisbane Broncos has confirmed Hayze Perham, the back-up fullback to superstar Reece Walsh has extended with the club until the end of the 2027 season.

Arriving at the club at the start of last year (before he ruptured his ACL), Perham has featured in five matches for the club this year scoring two tries, providing three try assists, making nine tackle busts and averaging around 110 running metres per game.

“I’m very happy, ever since I came to the Club I’ve enjoyed every moment,” Perham said.

“I was very lucky to have my family, support system, and the boys around me through that hard time [rehabilitating an ACL injury], it was a tough one but they made it enjoyable and I’m so grateful for them.

“The connection that the boys have here is very special and something that I hold pretty close to me, I enjoy every day coming in and seeing them.

Previously at the New Zealand Warriors and Canterbury Bulldogs, he will continue to be the back-up to Walsh but will also look to be a regular on the extended six-man interchange bench in 2027.

“To rehab an ACL injury in your first season at a new Club is a significant challenge, but Hayze went about it in a really diligent and professional way,” Broncos GM of Football Operations Troy Thomson said.

“He’s worked extremely hard to get himself back on the field and has made the most of the opportunities that have come his way this season.

“Hayze is a really well-liked member of the playing group and brings a great attitude every day.”