Jai Arrow Marks 31st Birthday with Resilience Amidst Club-Wide Tribute
The rugby league community is preparing for a poignant celebration at Accor Stadium this Sunday, as the South Sydney Rabbitohs host a special event in honor of retired star Jai Arrow. The occasion, which coincides with Arrow’s 31st birthday, follows his recent diagnosis with motor neurone disease, a challenge he has faced with profound public grace. The event is set to be a significant gathering, featuring entertainment from the iconic Australian children’s music group, The Wiggles, alongside a series of tributes planned throughout the match against the Newcastle Knights.
Jai Arrow sits down with 9News ahead of his 31st birthday. 9News
A Simple Wish Amidst Grand Festivities
Jai Arrow and his wife Berina. Instagram/@bericolakovic
While the spectacle promises to be one of the most memorable celebrations for an NRL figure, Arrow’s perspective on the milestone remains remarkably grounded. When asked about his primary wish for the occasion, the former Rabbitohs player eschewed grand declarations. “I could say something like to live a long and healthy life, but for me, I think it is just to enjoy my life,” Arrow told 9News. He emphasized that he is currently finding contentment and intends to maintain that approach to his day-to-day experience. Beyond his personal well-being, Arrow added with a characteristic touch of humor that he maintains one specific sporting hope for the weekend: “Oh and that, [I wish for] a Bunnies win”.
A Sporting Community United
The scale of support for Arrow has extended far beyond the walls of his former club. In a touching show of solidarity, the National Rugby League (NRL) confirmed prior to the July fixtures that charitable donations would be triggered whenever a player performs the “bow-and-arrow” celebration, a signature gesture associated with Arrow. This tribute has become a widespread phenomenon across the sporting landscape, visible in NRL club games, during the representative State of Origin series, and even within the English Super League.
The reach of the gesture has transcended the boundaries of rugby league entirely, with AFL star Tom Papley among those seen adopting the tribute after scoring a goal. Reflecting on the outpouring of support, Arrow admitted that the response from the wider sporting community has been “overwhelming, but in a good way”. Despite the significant attention, he maintains that his daily life remains largely unchanged, save for the recent personal milestone of his marriage to his partner, Berina.
Personal Milestones and Cherished Memories
The past week has been a period of profound transition for Arrow, encompassing his wedding and the lead-up to his birthday. He and Berina were married in a small, intimate ceremony in Sydney, attended by their 15-month-old daughter, Ayla. Recalling the significance of the wedding day, Arrow shared a heartwarming reflection on the moment, particularly the joy of having his young daughter present. “Seeing her running around and smiling,” Arrow remarked. “Even though she won’t remember, just seeing her mum and dad get married [was heartwarming]”.
As the Rabbitohs prepare to take on the Newcastle Knights this Sunday at 2pm, the focus will undoubtedly be on the celebration of Arrow’s career and his resilience. The match serves not only as a professional fixture but as a platform for the community to rally around a former star as he navigates a new chapter in his life. Whether the Rabbitohs secure the victory he hopes for remains to be seen, but the support for Arrow from fans and fellow athletes stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.