Jai Arrow, diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and retiring earlier this season in May, has an opportunity to achieve a significant career milestone by reaching 100 games with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs will include Arrow in their lineup for matches against the Gold Coast Titans, one of his previous teams, and the Sydney Roosters.
At 31, he will lead the team onto the field, participating in the game before being substituted.
While in the Rabbitohs' playing kit, he will sit on the interchange bench during the match.
Thanks to the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association, a special rule will permit the Rabbitohs to add an extra player to their roster.
Blake Solly, the Rabbitohs' CEO, expressed gratitude for the approval of their proposal and the support from both the Titans and Roosters to involve Jai.
"We are very grateful to Peter and the NRL, and Clint at the RLPA, for supporting the proposal, as well as for receiving the support for this from the opposition clubs in the Titans and Roosters, for Jai's participation in these two games," he stated in an official club announcement.
"We believe this will provide great inspiration for everyone watching the game from the stadium or at home, showing that MND will not hold Jai, or anyone else, back from achieving what they want to achieve in life.
This initiative will also help to raise awareness and funds for Jai and his battle with MND, allowing him the honor of playing 100 first-grade games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs-an achievement reached by only a few players-while recognizing his contributions to South Sydney and the sport over the past ten years.