Jai Arrow has made an emotional public plea for support as the former NRL star takes the next step in his battle against motor neurone disease.
The 30-year-old, who was forced into immediate retirement after revealing his diagnosis last month, has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at helping him access treatment, specialist care and support for his young family.
Arrow is currently back in Australia after travelling to Spain to explore treatment options and therapies not widely available at home.
The former Queensland Origin forward has vowed to fight the disease with everything he has, but admits the reality of living with MND has already changed his life forever.
‘My life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease,’ Arrow said.
‘No matter how many games you’ve played, how many tackles you’ve made or how many challenges you’ve faced on a football field, nothing prepares you for hearing those words.’
Jai Arrow has launched a public fundraising campaign as he battles motor neurone disease after his shock retirement from the NRL
The former Queensland Origin star says daughter Ayla is his biggest motivation as he fights the disease
Arrow has travelled to Spain seeking specialist treatment options not widely available in Australia
Arrow’s campaign, titled Stand With Me, has been established to help cover the mounting costs associated with living with the progressive neurological condition, which attacks the nerve cells responsible for movement.
His speech has deteriorated rapidly since symptoms first emerged late last year and there is currently no cure for the disease.
The former Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans and South Sydney Rabbitohs star said his focus remains on giving himself every possible chance while continuing to make memories with fiancée Berina Colakovic and their one-year-old daughter Ayla.
‘But if there is one thing I have learned throughout my life, it is that you never stop fighting,’ Arrow said.
‘I am determined to give myself every opportunity possible to live the best life I can, to explore treatments and therapies that may help, and to continue creating memories with the people I love most.
‘My biggest reason for fighting is my family, especially my beautiful daughter, Ayla.
‘Every day I wake up wanting to be the best dad I can be and to create as many special memories with her as possible.
‘She is my motivation, my purpose and my reason to keep pushing forward.’
The 30-year-old has vowed to explore every possible therapy in his fight against MND
Peter V’landys has promised the NRL will throw the ‘world’s biggest birthday party’ for Arrow next month
The campaign launch comes as rugby league continues to rally around one of its most respected figures.
The NRL has announced plans for a month-long fundraising initiative known as Jai July, while league boss Peter V’landys has promised the game will throw the ‘world’s biggest birthday party’ when Arrow turns 31 on July 12.
South Sydney will also honour Arrow during next week’s clash with Brisbane, while a series of fundraising events are being organised across the game.
Arrow recently travelled to SHA Spain, a specialist wellness and rehabilitation centre, as he searches for ways to slow the progression of the disease.
‘It’s the first step for me to mentally prepare for what is going to be a pretty hefty battle,’ he said before departing.
‘I’ll be doing everything – hyperbaric chamber, diet, exercise.
‘I’m going over there to get ready to fight for my life.’
The outpouring of support has extended beyond rugby league.
Arrow says accepting help does not come naturally but he is grateful for the overwhelming support
Actor and rugby league commentator Matt Nable, who lost his brother Aaron to MND in 2024, delivered an emotional message backing Arrow’s fight.
‘The road will be tough, it will seem at times unfair. Jai Arrow is going to fight,’ Nable said.
‘We are walking with you. We are holding you. We are on this journey with you.
‘Fight mate, we are with you.’
Arrow said accepting help does not come naturally, but the fundraiser will allow him to access treatments, therapies, specialist equipment and home modifications while helping secure Ayla’s future.
‘Throughout my life and career, I have always tried to help others whenever I could,’ Arrow said.
‘Today, I find myself in the unfamiliar position of needing support myself.
‘Thank you for standing beside me and my family and helping me continue this fight.’
You can support Arrow in his fight against MND here.
