The South Sydney Rabbitohs have produced an incredibly touching gesture for Jai Arrow by naming him on their extended bench for Thursday night's clash against his former side, the Brisbane Broncos, in an emotional start to NRL Round 15.
Arrow, a former representative star, was forced to medically retire earlier this year after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The rugby league world has rallied around him as he faces the biggest fight of his life. Arrow began his NRL career at Brisbane, spending two seasons there before moving to the Gold Coast Titans and then joining the Rabbitohs in 2021.
Souths have named Arrow in jersey number 23 for the match, while the Broncos will honor him by having his name and club number on their jerseys.
Emotional Game Day Tributes
The Rabbitohs have planned several tributes for Arrow on Thursday night. The club has encouraged all members and supporters to attend the game and celebrate his career. Arrow will ring the Rabbitohs Legacy Bell before the match, with his teammates and the opposition forming a guard of honour as he enters the field.
This emotional moment is set to take place just before kickoff, highlighting the respect and admiration the rugby league community has for Arrow.
Team Changes and Injuries
South Sydney will be without their State of Origin stars as well as strike centre Campbell Graham, who is sidelined with a calf injury. Tallis Duncan will move into the backs to partner Latrell Siegwalt.
The Brisbane Broncos have left Ezra Mam on the bench after he missed a golden opportunity to win the game for his side in the final minute against the Titans last round. Mam also lost his spot in the Queensland Maroons squad for Origin II. Hayze Perham will replace Reece Walsh at fullback, while Jordan Riki returns from injury in the back row.
The Cronulla Sharks are still without star halfback Nicho Hynes, who is out with a calf injury for their trip across the ditch. Luke Metcalf is on an extended bench for that match.
For the Dolphins, Trai Fuller comes in for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, with Isaiya Katoa expected to be released from Blues camp to take on the Sydney Roosters.
Cody Ramsey replaces James Tedesco at fullback for the Roosters, while Hugo Savala shifts to his preferred halves role alongside Daly Cherry-Evans. Tommy Talau will play his first game for the club on the wing, with Mark Nawaqanitawase in NSW camp.
Taylan May returns from a shoulder injury in a significant boost for the Wests Tigers, who will be desperate to bounce back at Leichhardt Oval.
