South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly has revealed the support from both the Gold Coast Titans and the Roosters to allow Jai Arrow to feature across the next two NRL games. NRL fans were thrilled to find out Arrow will run out for the Rabbitohs for the final two games of the season to reach a milestone of 100 games for the club.
The Titans and arch-enemies the Roosters both agreed to the gesture with the NRL set to make a rule exemption. Arrow was set to finish his career two games short of the milestone having never played 100 games for his previous clubs.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly has thanked the support of the Gold Coast Titans and the Roosters to allow Jai Arrow (pictured left) to feature across the next two games. (Images: Getty Images)
Although he will make a return to the field and wear the Rabbitohs jersey for kick-off, before departing the field in both games. When Arrow leaves the field it won’t count as an interchange and he will sit on the bench with his teammates for the remainder of the game.
The gesture from the Rabbitohs comes as Arrow revealed he can’t run anymore months after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Arrow’s effort on the weekend will go well beyond just reaching 100 games for the Rabbitohs and show his continued battle against the disease.
And Rabbitohs CEO has thanked the Roosters and Titans for allowing this moment to happen. Speaking to Andrew Voss on SEN Radio, Solly said a lot of people came together to get this initiative going and thanked the support from the NRL community.
“We went to the NRL and RLPA first because it would require a rule change. So they had to be on board,” Solly said. “We went to them, they were really happy. The Titans and Roosters, similarly, were just so positive about the opportunity. And the broadcasters came on board as well…the support has been overwhelming,” he said on Thursday.
Jai Arrow (pictured right) will run on for the Rabbitohs this weekend against the Titans. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Solly said it was left up to coach Wayne Bennett to tell Arrow he would be featured in the team list. Bennett and Arrow share a long relationship going back to their days together at the Broncos.
“He was very keen to do that. Him and Jai have had a long-standing relationship all the way back to their days in Brisbane. Through all the challenges Jai has experienced this year…Wayne has been there by his side. If anyone knows Wayne, he is probably the only one to give Jai a kick in the pants and give him a hug at the same time,” Solly said.
“And Jai respected that and I think he was over-the-moon when we said he would play his 100th game and get to run out.” Solly confirmed Arrow will lead the Rabbitohs out onto the field on Saturday and the whistle will go for the kick-off. He will then be interchanged straight away and the game will continue.
Jai Arrow reveals update on MND
After the announcement, Arrow revealed to fans he wouldn’t be running on or off the field with the disease making it too difficult for him. Although he admitted it will be a wild ride and he is looking forward to the experience.
“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.”
Jai Arrow (pictured) will run out with the Rabbitohs this weekend. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)