Fans of the NRL are feeling devastated for Jai Arrow after he disclosed on Tuesday that his health is "progressing" and he is unable to run. The NRL community was thrilled earlier on Tuesday when it was announced that Arrow would participate in two more games to achieve his 100th appearance for the Rabbitohs.
Arrow had previously played 98 matches for the Rabbitohs before retiring earlier this year due to a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The NRL has amended its rules for the Rabbitohs' final two matches this season, allowing Arrow to reach his milestone.
At 31 years old, Arrow will don the team's playing kit and lead the Rabbitohs onto the field against the Titans and Roosters, only to leave immediately after kick-off. The Rabbitohs will be permitted a free interchange to substitute him off.
However, alongside the joyous news, Arrow shared a troubling update about his condition later on Tuesday. The former State of Origin player revealed that his worsening health means he will be walking instead of running on and off the field.
"I am progressing unfortunately and can't run anymore so I will be walking," he stated. "I can't control my emotions, so I'm either going to cry my eyes out or laugh my head off. I get really stiff when I get embarrassed, so there might be a bit of a limp when I walk off, but that's the disease and I'll be right. Anything that looks unnatural out there, blame MND. It's going to be a wild ride, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
MND is a neurological illness that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, impairing functions like movement, speech, and swallowing.
"There are genuinely so many emotions; it's not your usual way to bring a milestone up," Arrow expressed. "I pray to god this never happens to anyone else in the future, and I hope this is the first and only time this ever happens in the NRL."
Support poured in from fans on social media, many expressing their sorrow over Arrow's situation. One user commented, "This is heartbreaking. Poor Jai," while another shared, "So sad."