Jai Arrow, the forward for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has announced his medical retirement from the NRL due to a severe shoulder injury.
Due to ongoing nerve issues in his shoulder, he has been unable to play, prompting the club to confirm his retirement on Wednesday afternoon.
The Rabbitohs revealed that Arrow has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
During an emotional press conference, Arrow struggled to hold back tears as club chief executive Blake Solly read a prepared statement on his behalf.
"Thank you everyone for being here and the support I've received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period of my life," Solly conveyed.
"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."
"Over recent months, my symptoms have impacted different parts of my everyday life. On medical advice, I am not currently cleared to play or train at the required level, and I will be stepping away from those duties while I focus fully on my health, treatment, and rehabilitation."
"I want to sincerely thank everyone at the Rabbitohs for the personal support they have shown me and my family throughout this process."
"Teammates, staff, and everybody behind the scenes have made an incredibly hard situation easier to face."