Retired NRL star Jai Arrow is set to make a special appearance at the AFL King's Birthday clash in the wake of his motor neurone disease diagnosis. The 30-year-old recently jetted off to a wellness retreat in Spain at a time NRL and South Sydney officials worked to firm up fundraising plans across July.
Before then, he appears ready to attend the MCG match between Melbourne and Collingwood, which will host the 12th edition of the Big Freeze in support of FightMND. Arrow would be a guest of Collingwood and has been invited to toss the coin before the game, reports 7AFL's Tom Morris.
Diagnosis and Fundraising
The former State of Origin representative revealed his diagnosis in late May — just days before the death of MND crusader and Big Freeze architect Neale Daniher. Over $100 million has been raised for FightMND since the first edition.
Fundraising for Arrow and his family is set to ramp up over the coming weeks as part of 'Jai July', an initiative first proposed by fans after his announcement. Further efforts will follow on his 31st birthday, which falls on the day of a Rabbitohs home game. ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys said the league is "planning to throw the world's biggest birthday party" for Arrow.
Club and League Support
Arrow, who spent time in the Queensland squad for the State of Origin opener, will also be celebrated at South Sydney's next home game. "We're really looking forward to celebrating Jai's career and his contribution to the club at our match against the Broncos next week in front of our fans and members," CEO Blake Solly told News Corp. "After that, we will be looking to continue to support Jai's fight with a series of fundraising initiatives and events including the July 12 match. We know that Jai is in for the fight and everyone at our club and across the game is committed to supporting him, Berina and Ayla as much as we can."
Arrow and fiancee Berina opened up on his outlook and their future plans last week before he flew to Spain. Berina, who revealed she would love for their one-year-old daughter Ayla to have a sibling, said they "don't want to know" Arrow's prognosis. The average life expectancy is 2-3 years from diagnosis, according to MND Australia, but the disease and its progression is individual.
Arrow's Determination
Arrow is vowing to battle on for his family. "(The prognosis) for me, it's be around for my daughter and Berina for as long as I can," he said. "And she knows I'll do that. I'll fight, and I'll beat it — I will."
