Jai Arrow Marries Berina Colakovic in Secret Wedding Weeks After MND Diagnosis
A Quiet Wedding During a Life-Changing Chapter
NRL star Jai Arrow has married his partner Berina Colakovic in a beautiful secret ceremony, just weeks after publicly revealing his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
The couple shared the happy news on Instagram on Tuesday morning, revealing that they had quietly tied the knot in Sydney. The announcement quickly drew warm messages from across the rugby league and sporting world, with many congratulating the pair during what has been an emotional period for Arrow and his family.
Colakovic marked the moment with a simple but joyful message, writing, “We did a thing!” as she shared photos from the intimate ceremony.
A Special Moment With Their Daughter
The wedding appeared to take place in Sydney’s CBD, with the couple’s baby daughter Ayla Rae playing a central role in the emotional day.
Arrow looked classic and elegant in a tuxedo, while Colakovic wore a stylish ivory mini dress with a high neckline and short sleeves. Her bridal look was completed with a birdcage-style veil, pearl details, white lace tights, pointed ivory heels and a small bouquet of white flowers.
The images captured a deeply personal celebration, showing the couple smiling together with their daughter after exchanging vows. Colakovic also thanked those who helped make the private ceremony possible, including close family friends who supported them on the day and helped care for Ayla Rae.
Support From the Sporting World
Following the announcement, a number of well-known sporting names sent their congratulations.
Among those who reacted were Adam Reynolds, Murray Taulagi, Josh Mansour, Shayna Jack, Cameron Murray, Jessica Sergis and Kennedy Cherrington.
The wedding comes after Arrow proposed to Colakovic during a romantic trip to Italy in October 2024. Just two months later, the couple revealed they were expecting their first child together. Their daughter Ayla Rae was born in April 2025.
Berina’s Role During Arrow’s Health Battle
Colakovic has been a strong source of support for Arrow as he faces the biggest battle of his life.
The former South Sydney Rabbitohs forward went public with his motor neurone disease diagnosis earlier this year, news that left many in Australian sport deeply saddened. Since then, Arrow has spoken openly about the impact the condition has already had on his life, including changes to his speech.
In a televised interview, Arrow became emotional while speaking about his daughter, describing her as “my greatest strength.” He said being able to watch her grow and develop her own personality had given him enormous motivation during an incredibly difficult time.
Jai Arrow’s Fighting Message
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Arrow has made it clear that he is determined to keep fighting.
When asked what the future looked like, his answer was simple: “To fight.”
Arrow said he wanted people to know that he was doing his best to stay strong and remain hopeful. He also spoke about his desire to explore every possible treatment option, including trials and medication, in the hope of maintaining his health for as long as possible.
His message has resonated strongly with fans, not only because of what he is facing, but because of the courage and honesty he has shown while speaking about it.
A Heartwarming New Chapter
For Arrow and Colakovic, the secret wedding marks a deeply meaningful moment amid uncertainty.
While much of the attention around Arrow in recent weeks has focused on his health battle, the couple’s wedding offered a softer and more hopeful chapter — one centred on love, family and quiet strength.
With their daughter beside them and support pouring in from friends, fans and the wider rugby league community, Jai Arrow and Berina Colakovic’s wedding has become one of Australian sport’s most emotional stories of the year.
It is not just a story about a secret ceremony. It is a reminder that even during life’s most difficult seasons, moments of love and hope can still shine through.
