NRL grants MND-diagnosed Jai Arrow special dispensation to reach 100 games for South Sydney

Three months after a motor neurone disease diagnosis ended his career at 31, Jai Arrow is back on a team sheet. The NRL cleared the South Sydney forward to appear in the club's final two regular-season matches — with the Titans, Roosters and players' union RLPA all agreeing — so he can reach 100 Rabbitohs appearances while still able to walk. Arrow, who said his "life changed forever" at diagnosis, made his 99th appearance against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on 29 August 2026, leading Souths out in full kit before leaving the field before kick-off. His 100th is set for round 27 against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. MND is a progressive neurological condition with no known cure; roughly 2,750 Australians live with it. The NRL-led "Stand With Jai" campaign has raised over $1 million for Arrow and his family.