Jai Arrow played his 99th match for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, winning over fans in the NRL. This moment was marked by a touching scene with Wayne Bennett, who shared a significant moment with Arrow before the game.
Arrow received a warm welcome from Rabbitohs and Titans fans as he celebrated this milestone in a Rabbitohs jersey. The NRL made special arrangements for Arrow to finish the last two games of the season, enabling him to stay on the field for the whistle before exiting.
Earlier this year, Arrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and revealed this week that he can't run anymore. However, the Rabbitohs, Titans, and NRL helped him lead the team onto the field, allowing him to celebrate his 100th game in the coming week.
This gesture illustrates Arrow's perseverance against his illness. Prior to the game, Coach Bennett mentioned Arrow's nervousness but emphasized his importance to the club. He humorously noted how hard it was to tell Arrow to leave the field, given the player's enthusiasm.
"I got on the bus and he was sitting right at the front, the first one on the bus. I didn't have the heart to tell him he was just running on, not staying on," Bennett said with a smile.
Fans were delighted to witness Arrow join his teammates, including Cody Walker, on the field. The game paused to allow him to take his spot on the Rabbitohs bench. Arrow's long history with Bennett dates back to their time together in Brisbane, leading to a heartwarming scene where Bennett helped Arrow with his socks.
This moment showcased Bennett's lighter side, with Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly acknowledging their strong bond. "He was very keen to do that. Him and Jai have had a long-standing relationship all the way back to their days in Brisbane," Solly said on SEN Radio. "Through all the challenges Jai has experienced this year…Wayne has been there by his side."
Solly added, "If anyone knows Wayne, he is probably the only one to give Jai a kick in the pants and give him a hug at the same time. And Jai respected that and I think he was over-the-moon when we said he would play his 100th game and get to run out."