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 not featured in the 2026 season due to what was initially described as a shoulder injury.
In a statement 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.”
MND affects nerve cells that carry messages from the brain to muscles, and there is currently no cure. Around 2,750 people in Australia are living with the condition. Arrow made his NRL debut in 2016 and played 178 games, earning the George Piggins Medal as the Rabbitohs’ best player last season.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who coached Arrow at both Souths and Brisbane, praised the backrower’s character. “He is an honest, genuine, hard-working young man who always puts his family and team before himself,” 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.”
Chief executive Blake Solly added: “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.”
