South Sydney Rabbitohs forward and Queensland State of Origin representative Jai Arrow has announced his immediate medical retirement from the NRL. The 30-year-old was forced to step away from professional rugby league on Wednesday after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
Arrow underwent months of testing for a nerve and neurological condition that originally surfaced as a presumed pre-season shoulder injury. Acting strictly on medical advice, the diagnosis indefinitely concludes his on-field commitments so he can begin critical rehabilitation and treatment.
During an emotional press conference, a pre-written statement from Arrow was read confirming he is not medically cleared to play or train at the required level. The veteran forward broke down in tears as head coach Wayne Bennett and CEO Blake Solly addressed the media, promising the club will unconditionally support his battle and honoring him as an exceptional teammate.
Arrow thanked his teammates, the Rabbitohs staff, and his family for their ongoing support. He asserted his competitive drive to fight the disease while requesting privacy and understanding from the public as he focuses entirely on his health and family.
Arrow concludes a tough rugby league career with 178 NRL matches and 12 State of Origin appearances. Renowned for his relentless work ethic, he recently secured the George Piggins Medal as the Rabbitohs’ player of the year in 2025, alongside the Bob McCarthy Clubperson of the Year award. He made his debut in 2016 for the Brisbane Broncos before moving to the Gold Coast Titans and eventually joining South Sydney in 2021.
The diagnosis comes roughly two and a half years after former Broncos and Cowboys forward Carl Webb passed away from MND at age 42. Webb had similarly raised awareness by establishing a foundation in 2020. English rugby league player Rob Burrow also died two years ago following a highly public battle with the condition.
MND is a severe, life-threatening condition with no known cure that impacts nerve cells responsible for carrying messages from the brain to muscles. Around 2,750 people in Australia currently live with the disease.