Jai Arrow Shares His Journey with Motor Neurone Disease
Jai Arrow, a prominent figure in the National Rugby League (NRL), has opened up about his recent diagnosis with motor neurone disease. The 30-year-old South Sydney Rabbitohs forward spoke for the first time since receiving the devastating news, revealing that the incurable condition is already affecting his ability to speak clearly.
Arrow’s announcement came during a press conference where Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly spoke on his behalf. The former player has decided to retire from professional rugby league immediately, choosing instead to focus on battling the disease and spending quality time with his fiancée, Berina Colakovic, and their one-year-old daughter, Ayla Rae.
During the event, Arrow shared how his young daughter continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for him. He expressed his gratitude for being able to witness her growth and development, highlighting her unique personality as a major motivation in his life.
When asked about his initial reaction to the diagnosis, Arrow admitted that he laughed. “Not that I laughed, but my first question was ‘all right, where do I go now?’” he said. He also mentioned that the progression of the disease has been noticeable since November.
Speech, he noted, is one of the areas that has changed significantly. Despite the challenges, Arrow remains determined to fight the disease. When asked about his future, he responded with a resolute “To fight.”
“I wanted to do this to let people know I am OK and I am ready to fight,” he said. “I do really have a lot. Nothing is gonna take me out easy. I wanna do everything I can – any trial, any medication that will maintain me for as long as I can. I want to inspire other people who have been diagnosed.”
Before the press conference, Arrow’s diagnosis and retirement were confirmed through a statement read by Solly. “After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I’ve recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition,” Solly stated on Arrow’s behalf.
He added that further tests, specialist reviews, and medical processes are still ongoing, with doctors continuing to assess his condition. “Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life. On medical advice, I’m currently not medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I’ll be stepping away from those duties while I focus fully on my health treatment and rehabilitation.”
“What I need right now isn’t sympathy or sadness. What I need is support, understanding, and privacy while my family and I navigate this difficult time.”
Souths coach Wayne Bennett praised Arrow, expressing his admiration for the player he has known for nearly a decade. Bennett even brought some light-hearted humor to the press conference, joking about Arrow’s football abilities.
A Life Filled with Love and Achievement
Arrow proposed to Colakovic during a romantic post-season holiday in Italy in October 2024. The couple later revealed on Instagram that they were expecting their first child together. Their daughter, Ayla Rae, was born in April 2025, and the couple celebrated her first birthday with heartwarming photos just weeks ago.
Arrow is highly respected within the NRL community and has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2025, he won the George Piggins Medal as the Rabbitohs’ player of the year. He also received the Bob McCarthy club person of the year award in 2025, the Souths Cares Award for outstanding contributions to the community, and the Burrow Appreciation Award in 2024.
He was also a finalist for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal in 2025 for his work with Souths Cares, Whatability, and Vinnies Vans. Arrow played four seasons at Gold Coast after two seasons with the Broncos and made 12 appearances for Queensland between 2018 and 2023.
His contributions helped the Maroons win series in 2020, 2022, and 2023. He also played in the Rabbitohs’ 2021 grand final loss to Penrith.
A Growing Concern in the Rugby League Community
Arrow’s diagnosis comes two and a half years after former Maroons hardman Carl Webb passed away from MND at the age of 42. The rugby league world was also deeply affected when Western Suburbs, Balmain, and North Sydney legend Scott Gale died of the same condition at just 39 in 2004.
Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that primarily affects individuals in their 60s and 70s, but it can occur in adults of all ages. It is caused by problems with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones, which gradually stop working over time. The exact cause of this is still unknown.
Motor neurones control the muscles responsible for movement, speech, and breathing. As the disease progresses, these functions become increasingly difficult to manage.
