South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), ending the career of one of Queensland rugby league’s toughest forwards at just 30 years old.
The emotional announcement came on Wednesday following months of medical testing, specialist consultations and ongoing treatment after Arrow began experiencing concerning neurological symptoms that started affecting his everyday life.
Arrow played 178 NRL games across a decade-long career with the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans and South Sydney Rabbitohs, while also representing Queensland in 12 State of Origin matches between 2018 and 2023.
The Rabbitohs confirmed Arrow had not been medically cleared to continue training or playing, forcing him into retirement with immediate effect.
Arrow reveals emotional health battle
At a press conference attended by Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly and veteran coach Wayne Bennett, Arrow’s statement was read aloud as teammates and staff gathered to support him.
“Thank you for the support I’ve received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in my life,” Arrow said.
“After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition.”
Arrow confirmed that further specialist reviews and medical assessments are still ongoing.
“Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life,” he said.
“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.”
The news shocked the rugby league community, especially given Arrow’s strong 2025 campaign where he played every game for South Sydney and was named the club’s player of the year during an injury-hit season.
Readers following major rugby stories can also read Swikblog’s coverage of George North’s retirement from professional rugby after 121 Wales caps. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
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Rabbitohs and NRL world rally behind Arrow
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who gave Arrow his NRL debut at Brisbane in 2016 before coaching him again at South Sydney, described him as a “wonderful young man” and promised ongoing support from the club.
“He knows he’s got the support of everybody in the change room and everybody involved at this club,” Bennett said.
The diagnosis has also reopened painful memories across rugby league following the deaths of former Queensland forward Carl Webb in 2023 and English rugby league legend Rob Burrow in 2024 after both battled MND.
According to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, MND affects the nerves controlling movement and can lead to muscle weakness, speech difficulties, mobility loss and breathing problems.
Early symptoms can include slurred speech, muscle cramps, weak grip strength, twitching muscles, weight loss and weakness in the legs.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Arrow’s message remained defiant.
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m competitive, stubborn, and ready to fight this with everything I’ve got,” he said.
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