Rugby league representative player Jai Arrow has retired from the NRL after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). The 30-year-old South Sydney Rabbitohs forward, who played 12 matches for Queensland, had not played in the 2026 season due to what was initially described as a shoulder injury.
Arrow issued a statement on Wednesday confirming 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. “Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition.”
Arrow, who made his NRL debut in 2016 and played 178 games, was awarded the George Piggins Medal last year as the Rabbitohs’ best player. He also received accolades for clubperson of the year and his community contributions.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett described Arrow as “an honest, genuine, hard-working young man” who always puts his family and team first. “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,” Bennett said.
Chief executive Blake Solly confirmed Arrow will not play again. “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,” Solly said.
MND affects around 2,750 people in Australia. It impacts nerve cells that carry messages from the brain to muscles, and there is currently no cure. Arrow said he is focusing fully on his health, treatment, and rehabilitation.
