NRL alters rules to allow Jai Arrow to return for South Sydney on Sunday
The NRL has granted special permission for Jai Arrow to play two final matches for the South Sydney Rabbitohs to reach a 100-game milestone. Arrow, who retired early due to a motor neurone disease diagnosis, will be substituted immediately after kickoff in both games.
Why it matters
This rare administrative exception highlights the league's commitment to player welfare and honoring career achievements despite health-related early retirement.
— 6:02pm , first published 11:20am
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Share A A A Jai Arrow was in the South Sydney gym with teammate Latrell Mitchell when coach Wayne Bennett first approached him with the idea of “playing” two more games so he could reach 100 NRL matches for the historic club.
Arrow initially thought Bennett was “geeing me up”, only to realise he was serious about reaching the milestone before the season finished.
Jai Arrow at Heffron Park on Tuesday. George Chan The 31-year-old was forced to retire earlier this year after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease .
But with the blessing of NRL acting chief executive Peter V’landys and the Rugby League Players’ Association, Arrow will start against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday, then the Sydney Roosters on Friday week.
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