A Message of Support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shown strong support for South Sydney Rabbitohs enforcer Jai Arrow, delivering a heartfelt message as the veteran player faces a challenging diagnosis of motor neurone disease. The former Queensland State of Origin enforcer made an emotional announcement on Wednesday, revealing that he would retire from the NRL immediately after receiving his diagnosis.
Mr Albanese, a lifelong supporter of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, extended his thoughts and support to Arrow and his family during the official opening of St George Illawarra’s new centre of excellence on Friday. He acknowledged the difficult time Arrow is going through, highlighting the gentle nature of the player off the field.
“I think all rugby league followers, our thoughts are with Jai and his wonderful family at this difficult time,” Albanese said. He also mentioned meeting Arrow’s father after an Origin game, expressing pride in the Queenslander from the north.
Souths chief executive Blake Solly and coach Wayne Bennett revealed the devastating diagnosis on Wednesday. Bennett expressed his emotions, stating that it was the last way anyone would want someone to retire. However, he praised Arrow for handling the situation well and helping others cope with it.
A Career Filled with Achievements
At just 30 years old, Arrow played 98 games for the Rabbitohs after being lured to the club by Bennett in 2021. Bennett had previously given the then-20-year-old his first-grade debut at Brisbane a decade ago. Arrow also had four seasons at Gold Coast following his two-year stint at the Broncos and played 12 games for Queensland between 2018 and 2023.
He helped the Maroons win series in 2020, 2022, and 2023 while also playing in the Rabbitohs’ 2021 grand final loss to Penrith. Bennett praised Arrow, calling him a wonderful young man to be part of the football club.
“We can’t believe what’s going to happen to him but he knows he’s got the support of everybody in the change room and he knows he’s got the support of everybody on the staff. And he deserves all the accolades and all the support that he can get because he has a battle on his hands.”
A Respected Player and Community Figure
Arrow, who is the father of a one-year-old daughter, is highly respected in NRL circles. He won the George Piggins Medal in 2025 as the Rabbitohs’ player of the year and the Bob McCarthy club person of the year award in 2025. He also received the Souths Cares Award for outstanding contributions to the community and The Burrow Appreciation Award in 2024.
Arrow was also a finalist for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal in 2025 for his work with Souths Cares, Whatability, and Vinnies Vans.
A Brave Announcement
While declining to take questions, Arrow bravely fronted Wednesday’s press conference in Sydney as Solly read out a statement from Arrow. The statement thanked the support received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in his life.
“After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition. Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition. Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life. On medical advice, I am not currently medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I will be stepping away from those duties while I focus fully on my health, treatment, and rehabilitation.”
Arrow thanked the entire South Sydney club, from fans, staff, and teammates including Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, who were also present for the announcement. He vowed to “fight this with everything I’ve got.”
“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. This is only part of my story and when the time is right I’ll share more.”
A Legacy of Strength
Arrow’s diagnosis comes two and a half years after former Maroons forward Carl Webb died of MND aged 42. The rugby league world was also rocked when Western Suburbs, Balmain, and North Sydney great Scott Gale died of the debilitating condition at just 39 in 2004.
