The South Sydney Rabbitohs have unveiled a special edition white jersey as a tribute to Jai Arrow following his heartbreaking motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis. Coach Wayne Bennett revealed the shirt during a press conference on Wednesday and confirmed the team will wear it for their game against the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday.
The Rabbitohs have also named Arrow on their extended bench for the match. Arrow confirmed his MND diagnosis last month, which forced him to immediately retire from the NRL after five years with South Sydney.
Wayne Bennett's Emotional Tribute
Speaking about the special jersey, Bennett said: “I think they felt pretty proud about it all (the Rabbitohs players). It’s been wonderful the support he’s received. There’s a few more things to come and I think we have got a pretty good balance with it and how we’re going to do it.”
The coach hinted at more touching gestures in the coming months, as the club rallies around Arrow and his family during this difficult time.
Jai Arrow's Plea for Support
Over the weekend, Arrow issued an emotional plea for support as he launched a fundraiser to help his family. In an emotional video, he said: “Like many families facing MND, we have been thrown into a world filled with uncertainty, difficult decisions and challenges that we never imagined we would face. But if there is one thing I have learned throughout my life, it is that you never stop fighting.
“I am determined to give myself every opportunity possible to live the best life I can, to explore treatments and therapies that may help, and to continue creating memories with the people I love most.
“My biggest reason for fighting is my family, especially my beautiful daughter, Ayla. She is still so young, with her whole life ahead of her. Every day I wake up wanting to be the best dad I can be and to create as many special memories with her as possible. She is my motivation, my purpose and my reason to keep pushing forward.”
NRL Ladder Context
The Rabbitohs currently sit eighth on the NRL ladder, four points clear of the 12th-placed Broncos. The special edition jersey will be worn in Thursday's clash, as the team pays tribute to their former teammate.
