Jai Arrow set for special AFL appearance at King’s Birthday clash as NRL locks in ‘Jai July’ fundraiser
A swift and fitting return to Australia looms for the 30-year-old following a stint at an overseas wellness retreat.

Retired NRL star Jai Arrow is in line for a special appearance at the AFL King’s Birthday clash in the wake of his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
The 30-year-old recently jetted off to a wellness retreat in Spain at a time NRL and South Sydney officials worked to firm up fundraising plans across July.
Before then he appears set to attend the MCG match between Melbourne and Collingwood, which will host the 12th edition of the Big Freeze in support of FightMND.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Arrow would be a guest of Collingwood and has been invited to toss the coin before the game, reports 7AFL’s Tom Morris.
The former State of Origin representative revealed his diagnosis in late May — just days before the death of MND crusader and Big Freeze architect Neale Daniher.
Over $100 million has been raised for FightMND since the first Big Freeze.
Fundraising for Arrow and his family is set to ramp up over the coming weeks as part of ‘Jai July’, an initiative first proposed by fans after his announcement.
Further efforts will follow on his 31st birthday, which falls on the day of a Rabbitohs home game.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said the league is “planning to throw the world’s biggest birthday party” for Arrow.
Arrow, who spent time in the Queensland squad for the State of Origin opener, will also be celebrated at South Sydney’s next home game.
“We’re really looking forward to celebrating Jai’s career and his contribution to the club at our match against the Broncos next week in front of our fans and members,” CEO Blake Solly told News Corp.
“After that, we will be looking to continue to support Jai’s fight with a series of fundraising initiative and events including the July 12 match.
“We know that Jai is in for the fight and everyone at our club and across the game is committed to supporting him, Berina and Ayla as much as we can.”
Arrow and fiancee Berina opened up on his outlook and their future plans last week before he flew to Spain.
Berina, who revealed she would love for their one-year-old daughter Ayla to have a sibling, said they “don’t want to know” Arrow’s prognosis.
The average life expectancy is 2-3 years from diagnosis, according to MND Australia, but the disease and its progression is individual.
Arrow is vowing to battle on for his family.
“(The prognosis) for me, it’s be around for my daughter and Berina for as long as I can,” he said.
“And she knows I’ll do that. I’ll fight, and I’ll beat it — I will.”

