Rabbitohs and Maroons enforcer Jai Arrow has announced he will step away from rugby league after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The veteran forward played 178 games for the Broncos, Titans and South Sydney as well as 12 Origin outings for Queensland over his decade-long career.
Arrow was “not in a position to speak” during a Souths press conference but wrote a statement.
“Thank you for the support I’ve received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in my life,” the 30-year-old said.
“After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition.
“Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition.”
Fellow former Maroon Carl Webb died of MND at 42 in 2023.
Former England rugby league halfback Rob Burrow died in 2024, five years after he was diagnosed with MND, while Australian Rules great Neale Daniher has become a leading advocate for research into the disease, including the annual Big Freeze event in the AFL.
Examples of early symptoms can include slurred speech, a weak grip, muscle cramps or twitches, weakness in legs, weight loss and laughing or crying in inappropriate situations.
Arrow played for Queensland in 12 Origin matches from 2018 through to 2023. (Getty Images: Bradley Kanaris)
“Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life,” Arrow said.
“On medical advice, I am not currently medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I will be stepping away from those duties while I focus fully on my health, treatment, and rehabilitation.”
Arrow was named Souths’ player of the year last season after playing every game as the team battled an injury crisis, but has not played this year.
The club revealed he had been undergoing months of testing and treatment.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone at the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the personal support they have shown me and my family throughout this process. The South Sydney Rabbitohs, my teammates, staff, and everyone behind the scenes have made an incredibly hard situation much easier to face,” Arrow said.
Arrow played every game in 2025, but has not played this season. (Getty Images: Brett Hemmings)
“To my teammates, thank you for treating me exactly the same every single day. Within minutes of walking through the doors, most of you are still making me laugh with the usual banter and, honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“To my family and closest mates, thank you for standing beside me through all of this. I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but anyone who knows me knows I’m competitive, stubborn and ready to fight this with everything I’ve got.
“What I need right now isn’t sympathy or sadness. What I need is support, understanding, and privacy while my family and I navigate this difficult time.
“This is only part of my story, and when the time is right, I’ll share more. But, for now, I ask everyone to respect my privacy while I continue working with my doctors and my family.”
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said Arrow, his wife Berina and daughter Ayla were “very much part of the Rabbitohs family”.
“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,” he said.
“Jai and his family will always be Rabbitohs and they will be part of this club for many years to come.”
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