The NRL is set to organize a unique "birthday party" for Jai Arrow on July 12 during the match between his former team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium.
Arrow, who recently announced his retirement from the NRL at age 30 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, will be the focal point of the celebration.
The two clubs, in collaboration with the NRL, are encouraging fans to attend the game with donations to support awareness and research for MND, coinciding with Arrow's 31st birthday.
This event draws inspiration from Paul Vautin's "World's Biggest Barbeque" held in 1993, with the Sydney Morning Herald noting that ARL Chairman Peter V'landys, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, and the RLPA are actively involved in its execution.
"We will throw the biggest birthday party in the world," V'landys stated in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.
"It will be a huge occasion with the whole game involved. Don't bring presents. Bring a donation."
Furthermore, V'landys disclosed plans for 'Jai July,' an initiative supported by NRL players aimed at replacing the previously discontinued Try July to boost fundraising and awareness for MND.
"This is a classic case of the game uniting behind the own. We are a family ... We have the differences in rugby league, but we never have the differences when one of the own needs the help," he added.
"I want to complement the South Sydney club for everything they're doing. Jai's manager David Riolo is very passionate. We are working closely with him and Souths and the RLPA."