Jacob Saifiti has paid tribute to twin brother Daniel after his return to the NSW State of Origin team, while the Queensland squad are wrapping their arms around Jai Arrow. Daniel Saifiti and Arrow both announced their immediate retirements from the NRL this month, with Saifiti suffering a debilitating shoulder injury and Arrow recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
Saifiti played seven State of Origin games for NSW, while Arrow represented Queensland 12 times. Their recent retirements have cast a sombre mood over the NSW and Queensland camps before State of Origin 1, with Maroons coach Billy Slater inviting Arrow to be around the players when they arrive in Sydney next week.
Jai Arrow and Daniel Saifiti were both forced to retire this month. Image: Getty
For Jacob Saifiti, his return to the Origin arena sparked mixed emotions considering his brother was recently forced to call it quits at age 30. Daniel was one of the first people that Jacob called after being selected, and his twin will be in the prop’s heart at Accor Stadium next week.
“Heaps, not just Wednesday night, just in general since then,” Jacon told AAP. “He’s had a good career and he’s a family man. He put his family first (by retiring). I’ve got that last name on my back, not only will I be representing my family, but I’ll hold something special for him as well.”
Daniel Saifiti and Jai Arrow both represented their state in Origin. Image: Getty
Queenslanders rally around Jai Arrow after diagnosis
As for Queensland, they’re rallying around fellow 30-year-old Arrow as best they can. Maroons forward Reuben Cotter said the news of Arrow’s diagnosis was “devastating”.
“We will be thinking about him and it will be good to see him when we get down there next week,” Cotter said on Thursday. “All the boys will be drawing inspiration from him next Wednesday night. It is a pretty scary disease MND and to see what it has done to him in such a short period of time is the most scary thing.”
Maroons veteran Kurt Capewell echoed the sentiments of Cotter, saying: “I am devastated for Jai. He is a good mate and I’ve had plenty of good times with him both on and off the field.
“I know he is a fighter and I am sure he is going to fight. He was very aggressive and he would never let you down. He was one of those players who everyone wants to play with.
“For the time being it is about getting around Jai and making sure he is alright. He is one of those blokes who is glass half full.”
with AAP