Jai Arrow is 31 years old and was diagnosed with ALS. Anyone else would have resigned themselves to quietly leaving rugby, accepting their diagnosis and bringing their career to an end.
But the NRL granted a special exemption so South Sydney Rabbitohs could let him play his final games and reach 100 appearances for the club.
On September 4, at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, Jai took to the field. He lasted just a few seconds before leaving for the final time, as his teammates formed a guard of honor for him.
More than 41,000 people, including fans of rivals Sydney Roosters, sang for him. With his voice breaking, he said he was not afraid of what lay ahead and that he would fight until the end.
His wife Berina and daughter Ayla watched him from the stands. The Rabbitohs won 50-20, but the result mattered little that night.
On September 22, his club is hosting a gala dinner to help support his family in the time ahead.