Jai Arrow bids emotional farewell with 100th appearance for Rabbitohs after MND diagnosis

Jai Arrow made an emotional 100th NRL appearance for the South Sydney Rabbitohs to mark his farewell from the sport at the Allianz Stadium.

After being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, Arrow had announced his retirement in May.

Special dispensation had been granted by the NRL and Rabbitohs to allow Arrow the opportunity to take to the field for the opening kick-off another two times – with the game against Sydney Roosters marking a century of appearances.

Arrow walked his team out onto the field, with ‘Stand By Me’ playing before ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ then rang around the stadium.

The 31-year-old forward had made 178 appearances overall in the NRL before his retirement announcement, playing at Brisbane Broncos and then Gold Coast Titans ahead of joining the Rabbitohs in 2021.

Arrow, also having featured 12 times for Queensland in State of Origin, fought back tears as he was presented to the crowd, who all stood in applause, many holding up banners of support in his name.

Ahead of kick-off, Arrow waved to the crowd before being embraced by his team-mates and then substituted off, with the Rabbitohs having been allowed an extra player in their squad list and an additional rotation.

Rabbitohs head coach Wayne Bennett offered out his arms to Arrow, who was overcome with emotion and could not hold back his tears before sharing an embrace with his wife Berina Colakovic.

PA