South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow returned to the field for the first time since his motor neurone disease diagnosis, running out for his 99th NRL appearance in an emotional pre-match ceremony.
The 31-year-old, who retired from rugby league earlier this year after being diagnosed with MND, was granted special dispensation by the league to take the pitch at the start of the Rabbitohs' final two regular season games. The move allows him to bring up a century of appearances while he is still mobile enough to walk.
Emotional scenes at Cbus Super Stadium
Arrow donned a full kit for Saturday's clash with his former club, the Gold Coast Titans, with Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett shown on camera helping him put on his socks. As 'You'll Never Walk Alone' played, Arrow walked out at Cbus Super Stadium, visibly moved by the reception from both sets of fans.
As planned, Arrow left the field as the game's first interchange ahead of the first kick, having not had any active part in play. An emotional Arrow was hugged by team-mates as he left the field and took his place on the bench.
Special dispensation and support
The NRL cleared the way for Arrow's cameo appearances after the Rabbitohs requested a one-off rule change. As part of the agreement, which has the blessing of the Titans, the Sydney Roosters and the players' union RLPA, the league granted special dispensation for Souths to name Arrow as an extra player on the team list and have an extra substitution. His final outing will come against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Bennett, who also coached Arrow at the Brisbane Broncos, said ahead of the match that his player was "very nervous" but delighted to be a part of the playing group.
"He turns up to train every day and obviously he can't train with us now, but the friendship, the mateship is there and he needs us and we need him," Bennett told Fox Sports.
"I got on the bus and he's sitting right up the front. He was the first one on the bus."
"I didn't have the heart to tell him that he was just running on, he's not staying on," Bennett joked. "So when I go back in the room, I'll just tell him, mate, you've got to come off when the whistle goes, OK?"
Career and fundraising
Arrow, who made 12 State of Origin appearances for Queensland during his career, played 56 times for the Titans before moving to South Sydney. Many of his family and friends were present at the match on Saturday, while the Titans wore a special jersey in honour of Arrow.
Since his diagnosis in May, when Arrow saw his "life changed forever", there has been an outpouring of support from the rugby league world. A fundraising campaign led by the NRL, Stand With Jai, has raised over AU$1m for him and his family. Various players in the NRL have also celebrated tries with a bow-and-arrow celebration in honour of him.
