NRL star Jai Arrow announces motor neurone disease battle | 9 News Australia

In an incredibly emotional and heartbreaking development for the rugby league world, South Sydney Rabbitohs star Jai Arrow has announced his immediate medical retirement from the NRL at just 30 years old after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The hard-hitting forward fronted a emotional press conference alongside Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly and legendary head coach Wayne Bennett to deliver the devastating news following months of intense medical testing. Bravely opening up about his diagnosis, the former Queensland State of Origin enforcer revealed that his physical symptoms have begun affecting different parts of his everyday life over recent months. Despite the shock, Arrow vowed to face the illness head-on with the trademark aggression and resilience that defined his elite 10-year playing career. The 2021 Grand Finalist stated he is willing to participate in any medical trials and explore any treatment necessary to maintain his health for as long as possible, emphasizing that his one-year-old daughter, Ayla, is his greatest source of motivation. South Sydney CEO Blake Solly labeled MND an "insidious and unfair disease," while confirming the club and wider NRL community will throw their unconditional support behind Jai, his partner Berina, and their young family. Teammates, staff, and rival clubs have flooded the family with support following the sudden conclusion of an elite career spanning 178 first-grade games across the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, alongside 12 representative matches for his beloved Queensland Maroons. Subscribe for the latest updates on this developing story and to leave your messages of support for a rugby league hero embarking on his toughest battle yet. | *Subscribe and ?: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9* *Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6* FOLLOW 9News Australia ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9News/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9news/ Join 9News for the latest in news and events that affect you in your local city, as well as news from across Australia and the world. #9News #BreakingNews #NineNewsAustralia #9NewsAU