NRL star Arrow retires at 30 after MND diagnosis

Arrow has not played for the Rabbitohs since September South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow has announced his immediate retirement after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Arrow, 30, played 178 National Rugby League (NRL) games for the Brisbane Broncos, the Gold Coast Titans and the Rabbitohs across a 10-year career, as well as 12 State of Origin appearances for Queensland. An emotional Arrow was unable to speak during a club press conference on Wednesday, but had a written statement read out.

"After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition," he said. "Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition. "On medical advice, I am not currently medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I will be stepping away from those duties while I focus fully on my health, treatment, and rehabilitation.

" MND affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which tell your muscles what to do. This leads them to weaken and stiffen over time and usually affects how you walk, talk, eat and breathe. Scientists are not sure what causes MND, but it is likely to be a combination of the genes - or biological traits - you get from your parents when you are born, and other lifestyle factors.

Fellow former Queensland player Carl Webb died of MND at 42 in 2023, while former England rugby league half-back Rob Burrow died in 2024, five years after diagnosis. Former Scotland rugby union international Doddie Weir died in November 2022, and World Cup-winning former England international Lewis Moody was diagnosed in September 2025. "Thank you for the support I've received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in my life," said Arrow.