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South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow has announced his retirement from the sport after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The 30-year-old forward made 178 appearances in the NRL and featured 12 times for Queensland in State of Origin, while he was named the Rabbitohs’ player of the year last year.
“After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition,” Arrow said.
“Further tests, specialist reviews and medical processes are still ongoing, and my doctors are continuing to assess my condition.
“Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life. 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.”
There is currently no cure for MND, which affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
“Thank you for the support I’ve received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in my life,” added Arrow.
“Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone at the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the personal support they have shown me and my family throughout this process.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs, my team-mates, staff, and everyone behind the scenes have made an incredibly hard situation much easier to face.
“What I need right now isn’t sympathy or sadness. What I need is support, understanding and privacy while my family and I navigate this difficult time.
“This is only part of my story, and when the time is right, I’ll share more. But for now, I ask everyone to respect my privacy while I continue working with my doctors and my family.”
PA