Not a dry eye as Jai Arrow brings up 100th South Sydney Rabittohs game
Roosters and Rabbitohs fans came together to pay tribute to Jai Arrow as the MND-stricken forward chalked up his 100th South Sydney game.
Jai Arrow choked back tears when he was hugged by Wayne Bennett as the forward celebrated his 100th South Sydney game with a hero’s reception.
On an emotional night, the Rabbitohs’ bitter rivalry with the Sydney Roosters was put to the side as the clubs came together to pay tribute to Arrow at Allianz Stadium.
Arrow, a 31-year-old father of one, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) this year, and until two weeks ago was stranded on 98 NRL games for the Bunnies.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.At Bennett’s initiative, the NRL allowed Souths an extra interchange against the Gold Coast last week for game No.99 and again on Friday against the Roosters.
Arrow led his teammates out to the sound of the Gerry and the Pacemakers rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, with Ron Coote ringing the Rabbitohs’ bell.
The former Queensland State of Origin forward was given a guard of honour by more than 100 Souths old boys, including members of the 2021 grand final squad Arrow was a member of.
Earlier in the night, the same ex-Bunnies players had led a march down Anzac Parade to the stadium.
Arrow made his way to the halfway line as Souths prepared to kick off, before referee Adam Gee blew the whistle to signal the Bunnies had called for an interchange.
Teammates hugged Arrow as he made his way towards the touchline, and again the crowd stood as one, with Cody Walker hugging the forward as he took his place on the field.
Arrow did remarkably well to hold himself together - he has spoken of how he has struggled to contain his emotions as a result of his MND - but when he embraced Bennett, the forward sobbed profusely.
Fans from both sides of the divide continued to applaud Arrow as he made his way up the tunnel well after kick-off.
The Roosters have shown a great deal of support to help Arrow’s cause and raise awareness for MND, with club chairman Nick Politis even helping fund some of the forward’s travel overseas since he went public with his diagnosis.
Arrow has vowed to raise awareness for others living with MND, and spoke on Triple M radio on Friday of wanting to tackle his illness head-on.
“I understand the disease can be very confronting. I give myself every hope to be around for 10 years,” Arrow said. “Why can’t I be the one to live with MND the longest anyone has ever?’‘
