Overview
- Jai Arrow revealed a motor neurone disease diagnosis and retired from the NRL in late May, prompting league leaders to coordinate support for him and his family.
- NRL executives, South Sydney officials and the players’ association agreed to stage a series of July fundraisers under a 'Jai July' banner, starting with a July 12 birthday collection at the Rabbitohs’ home game at Accor Stadium.
- Arrow has been invited to the AFL King’s Birthday 'Big Freeze' match at the MCG as a guest of Collingwood and has been asked to toss the coin, with reports saying he will return from a wellness retreat in Spain to attend.
- South Sydney has pledged to honour Arrow at its next home game and to help run ongoing fundraising initiatives for MND charities and direct support for Arrow’s household expenses.
- MND is a progressive illness with variable outcomes and an average reported life expectancy of roughly two to three years from diagnosis, and the campaign could both raise money and increase public focus on research and care for people with MND.