Jai Arrow, a 30-year-old rugby league star, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), forcing him to retire from the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia. The South Sydney Rabbitohs forward announced the diagnosis after months of testing, stating that symptoms are now affecting his everyday life.
Arrow, who debuted in 2016 and played 178 NRL games, had not played this season due to what was initially described as a shoulder injury. In a statement, he said: 'After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition.'
MND is a rare, progressive condition that damages nerves carrying messages from the brain to muscles. It is life-shortening and currently has no cure. Arrow is being monitored by doctors and has stopped training on medical advice. 'On medical advice, I am not currently medically cleared to train or play at the required level,' he added.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett praised Arrow as 'an honest, genuine, hard-working young man' who always puts his family and team first. Chief executive Blake Solly said Arrow will always be part of the club, adding: '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.'
