Footy legend Matty Johns has delivered a sincere, emotional and direct tribute to former South Sydney and Gold Coast player Jai Arrow after his MND diagnosis this week.
Arrow stunned the NRL world this week when he revealed the diagnosis, the 30-year-old now locked in the fight of his life against the progressive neurological disease.
The average life expectancy is typically around two to five years after symptoms begin with Arrow expected to suffer weakness, loss of movement, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and finally, breathing.
Arrow retired from the NRL immediately and is already showing symptoms of the insidious disease, with his speech noticeably slower and slurred compared to a few months ago.
Speaking on his Fox League television show on Thursday night, former Newcastle champion and media personality Matty Johns was clearly shocked and emotional as he delivered a tribute to Arrow.
‘Jai Arrow, of course was diagnosed with MND, motor neuron disease,’ he said.
South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow announced his immediate retirement from footy this week after being diagnosed with MND
Former premiership winner and media personality Matty Johns delivered a tribute to Arrow on his Late Show on Thursday night
Johns battled to hold in his emotion, choking back tears and saying ‘life’s f***ed sometimes’
‘Hey Jai, mate, listen, mate we wish you all the very best. We’re thinking of you and your loved ones in this difficult time.
‘He has been on our Sunday night show four or five times, I’m telling ya, you talk about a champion bloke.
‘Your heart breaks. So mate, we’re really thinking of you and there’s nothing else really to say except life’s f***ed sometimes.’
The network ran the expletive uncensored on the night, before cutting to a commercial break. It was later censored for social media.
It was an emotionally charged moment that struck footy fans to the core after an already difficult week.
‘Jeez seeing Matty Johns tearing up really got me,’ one posted.
‘That’s why we love ya Matty, not just words, but straight from the heart,’ added another.
‘What a beautiful, sincere send-out of love. You’re an amazing man Matty, and Jai will no doubt appreciate it,’ posted yet another.
Arrow has vowed to fight the disease which will impact his ability to talk, walk and ultimately breathe
Arrow will try experimental medication to stay around as long as he can for fiancée Berina Colakovic and daughter Ayla Rae
Former Queensland Maroons player Carl Webb died from Motor Neurone Disease aged 42 in December 2023.
Former England rugby league halfback Rob Burrow died in 2024, five years after being diagnosed with the disease.
Around 2,750 people are living with MND in Australia. While the condition is life threatening, the speed it affects each person is different. There is currently no cure.
Arrow has named his daughter Ayla Rae as his ‘greatest strength’ and has vowed to fight the disease to watch her grow up.
‘I wanted to do this to let people know I am OK and I am ready to fight,’ he said.
‘I do really have a lot. Nothing is gonna take me out easy. I wanna do everything I can – any trial, any medication that will maintain me for as long as I can.
‘I want to inspire other people who have been diagnosed.’
Arrow has been invited into the Queensland State of Origin camp by coach Billy Slater this year, after playing 12 matches for the Maroons.
His club coach Wayne Bennett has also backed Arrow to fight the insidious disease.
‘He is a special guy and we’re all very lucky to have him at our club and in our lives,’ Bennett said.
South Sydney boss Blake Solly said Arrow will always be part of the club.
‘Unfortunately, we won’t see Jai on the field of play in the NRL again due to this diagnosis, but handling this situation is much more important than football for Jai and his family,’ he said.
‘We all know how difficult the past few months have been for Jai, but we also know that he will fight this illness with the same bravery, passion and character that was the hallmark of his playing career.’
