Fans of the NRL are coming together to support the plan for Jai Arrow to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the last two matches of the season, aiming for his 100th game with the club. The Rabbitohs stated that the NRL has granted an exemption for Arrow to return to the field and don the jersey for kick-off in these matches.
Arrow will face off against his prior club, the Titans, along with fierce rivals, the Roosters, an initiative that has received widespread appreciation from the NRL community. Earlier this year, Arrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a condition that seemed to cut his NRL career short.
Arrow was on track to end his career with 98 NRL appearances for the Rabbitohs, but the league's exemption now allows him to play this weekend, marking a significant milestone. This achievement will position him as the 67th player to reach 100 games for the esteemed club.
According to the Rabbitohs, "Jai will dress into South Sydney playing kit for the two NRL game days in the Rabbitohs dressing room, lead the Rabbitohs team out onto the field of play, be the team's first interchange of the match within the first few seconds after the opening whistle without taking part in any play during the game, and be able to sit on the interchange bench for the remainder of the game in his playing kit." The NRL has permitted one-time rule changes to allow this addition to the team lineup.
Reactions from fans have been immediate, with the NRL community rallying behind this development, marking it as a pivotal moment of the 2026 season. Clint Newton, CEO of the Rugby League Players Association, commended the Rabbitohs and CEO Blake Solly for their supportive move. He emphasized Arrow's respect within the sport, stating, "It speaks to how highly regarded Jai is by the people around him and the strength of the rugby league community when one of the own needs the love and support."
Solly highlighted that Arrow's participation transcends reaching a milestone, reflecting his battle against Motor Neurone Disease. "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," he said.