South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow has announced his retirement from the NRL after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 30-year-old, who played 12 State of Origin matches for Queensland, had been sidelined since pre-season with what was initially described as a shoulder injury.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Arrow confirmed the diagnosis following months of testing. 'After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition,' he said. '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.'
Arrow, who made his NRL debut in 2016 and played 178 games for the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, and Rabbitohs, was last year awarded the George Piggins Medal as Souths' best player. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett paid tribute to Arrow, describing him as 'an honest, genuine, hard-working young man' who always puts his family and team first.
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said Arrow would always be part of the club. 'Unfortunately, we won't see Jai on the field of play in the NRL again due to this diagnosis, but handling this situation is much more important than football for Jai and his family,' he said. '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.'
MND affects around 2,750 people in Australia and is a life-threatening condition with no known cure. Arrow's symptoms have impacted his everyday life, and he will now focus on treatment and rehabilitation.
