Tearful Arrow breaks down during NRL tribute as fans show support for star after MND diagnosis
Jai Arrow was joined for the touching tribute by his partner Berina and daughter Ayla after his heartbreaking MND diagnosis.
Jai Arrow broke down in tears as the NRL paid tribute to him before he rang the bell for the game between two of his former clubs, the Rabbitohs and Broncos.
The ex-South Sydney lock, 30, revealed last month he was retiring from the game due to health reasons after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Both clubs stepped out onto the field in special jerseys with Arrow’s name on — the Rabbitohs’ donning an all-white strip.
Jai Arrow broke down during the pre-game tribute (Picture: Twitter / @NRL)
The announcer inside the Accor Stadium then welcomed Arrow onto the pitch alongside his partner Berina and daughter Ayla.
Arrow was immediately overcome with emotion and fell into Berina’s arms after looking up to see the applause from the fans.
There were banners around the ground including those which read “Thank You Jai Arrow” and “Jai Keep On Fighting”.
He eventually composed himself and rang the bell, before both sets of players swarmed him with hugs and handshakes.
Arrow was joined on the pitch by partner Berina and daughter Ayla (Picture: Twitter / @NRL)
He also received the special jerseys from Rabbitohs and Broncos captains Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker — who are also his friends.
Commentator Peter Psaltis could be heard saying on the broadcast: “Hardly a dry eye in the house.”
