NRL changes rules to allow Jai Arrow to 'play' 100 games for Souths

In a heartwarming gesture, the National Rugby League (NRL) has granted special permission for Jai Arrow to achieve a personal milestone: 100 games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Arrow, a former Queensland representative, was forced to retire in May after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Arrow will make brief cameo appearances in the final two rounds of the regular season. He will officially start on the field before being substituted out within the opening seconds of the matches against the Gold Coast Titans and the Sydney Roosters. This arrangement allows him to be recognized for his contributions to the club while still able to walk onto the field.

The Rabbitohs appealed to the NRL for this on-field 'swansong,' which has been approved by the league, the Titans, the Roosters, and the Rugby League Players Association. Souths CEO Blake Solly expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "We believe this will provide great inspiration for everyone watching the game... showing that MND will not hold Jai, or anyone else, back from achieving what they want to achieve in life."

The NRL community has rallied around Arrow since his diagnosis. In July, the league organized "the world's biggest birthday party" for the 31-year-old, presenting him with a commemorative jersey. Fundraising efforts in his honor have already exceeded $1 million, with players from various clubs showing support through "arrow celebrations" after scoring tries. Arrow's journey, despite his diagnosis, has become a symbol of resilience and determination.

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We are very grateful to Peter [V'landys] and the NRL, and Clint [Newton] at the RLPA, for supporting our proposal. 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.