The NRL has approved a special rule change to allow Jai Arrow to ‘play’ two more games for South Sydney and finish his career on 100 games with the club.
In one of the feel-good stories of the NRL season, the forward who retired with motor neurone disease in May has been approved to start on the field in Rounds 26 and 27.
The inspirational 31-year-old will remain on the field for the opening seconds before being interchanged off and spend the remainder of the match on the bench.
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The NRL is allowing the Rabbitohs to name an extra player in their squad, and have an extra interchange, for the final two matches of the season.
The matches, against Gold Coast and the Sydney Roosters, will bring Arrow’s tally to 180 career games and 100 for the Rabbitohs.
The club put the proposal to the NRL, RLPA and the club consultation committee, who all approved the idea, as well as the Titans and Roosters.
“We are very grateful to Peter and the NRL, and Clint at the RLPA, for supporting our proposal, as well as for receiving the support for this from our opposition clubs in the Titans and Roosters, for Jai’s participation in these two games,” Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said.
“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 fight with MND and afford him the honour of playing 100 first grade games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, something only a select few players have achieved in their careers, and give him due recognition for the efforts he has made for South Sydney and the sport over the past decade.
“For Jai to be able to add these games to his tally against his former club, and at a game which we believe will be close-to, if not sold-out at Allianz Stadium, will be a fitting tribute to a player that has given his all to the Rabbitohs, Titans, Broncos and Queensland throughout his playing career.
“His fight against MND has already been inspirational, and we can’t wait to welcome Jai back onto the field for two more games to inspire everyone connected with Rugby League and in society in general.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys was fully supportive of the initiative.
“The game of Rugby League is so much more than what happens on the field. At times it is the conduit to bring out the best of humanity,” he said.
“This thoughtful gesture by the South Sydney Rabbitohs shows the true heart of our game. Jai has inspired millions of people around the world with the courage and strength he has shown in his fight with MND.
“He is not only a great player, but an extraordinary person. Reaching 100 games for the Rabbitohs is a special achievement one that Jai, his family and everyone who has supported him should be incredibly proud of.
“The entire Rugby League community stands with Jai and is honoured to celebrate this remarkable milestone with him.”
The league threw Arrow “the world’s biggest birthday party” on the day Souths beat Newcastle in July, rolling out a birthday cake in the shape of the 31-year-old’s jersey and presenting him with a commemorative jersey.
Fundraising efforts have already passed $1 million in support of Arrow, who is the father of a young daughter.
Players from all clubs have shown their support by marking tries with arrow celebrations throughout the month of July
– With AAP
