Jai Arrow says he has been told “nothing” about a tribute awaiting him ahead of Sunday’s NRL grand final.
It was widely reported today that Arrow would do a lap of Stadium Australia while a selection of Australian musicians perform Gerry and the Pacemakers’ song and Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Earlier this year, Arrow retired from the NRL after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
Speaking to the ABC at this evening’s Dally M Awards in Sydney, Arrow said he was unsure of the details of the ceremony.
“[I know] nothing yet, apparently I’m going around … but I don’t know anything,” Arrow said.
“So it’ll be interesting. It won’t just be for me, it’ll be for everyone fighting MND.”
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Arrow was honoured with the Provan-Summons Medal at the awards night for embodying the spirit of the game, which is measured against the values of respect, honesty, bravery and sportsmanship.
He said the proposed pre-game tribute on Sunday would be an opportunity to continue raising awareness of MND.
“I can use my platform to spread awareness,” he said.
Meanwhile, NRL executive chairman Peter V’landys was tight-lipped about the tribute but promised fans they would be “happy and impressed” with the performers selected.
“You’ll see, there’ll be superstar Australian performers, that’s all that we’ll say, and everyone will be very happy and impressed with what we’ve got,” he said.
“But it’s not about them; it’s about Jai, it’s about what Jai does; he inspires people.
“We’ve received a lot of correspondence at the NRL about how his inspiration has made them see their illnesses through.”
V’landys also said the league will be donating $100,000 to Arrow’s family, as well as $1 million to a “fund for underprivileged kids who can’t afford to play rugby league”.
“If we can lift a lot of other people with Jai’s courage and leadership, that’s what we’re going to do on Sunday night,” V’landys said.
The NRL was left without pre-match entertainment for the grand final after talks with Australian artist Tones and I broke down earlier this month.
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