FORMER Queensland State of Origin forward Jai Arrow has retired from rugby league after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The 30-year-old’s condition was announced at a media conference hosted by his club, South Sydney, on Wednesday morning.
As a statement written by the forward was read out during the press opportunity, he struggled to control his emotions sitting at the top table where he was joined by coach Wayne Bennett and CEO Blake Solly.
It read, in part: “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.”
He was later interviewed on Channel Nine and the impact on his voice was clear.
“I wanted to do this to let people know I am OK and I am ready to fight. Nothing is going to take me out easy,” he said.
“I want to do everything I can. Any trial, any medication that will maintain me for as long as possible. I want to inspire as well. I want to inspire other people who have been diagnosed.”
Rob Burrow is the most famous rugby league player to suffer from the illness. He and his friend Kevin Sinfield raised £20 million for research into the disease before Burrow’s death on June 2 2024.
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