The Titans have unveiled a special Stand with Jai jersey as the club prepares its most visible tribute yet to former forward Jai Arrow and his fight against motor neurone disease.
A one-off strip will be worn in Gold Coast’s Round 26 clash against South Sydney at Cbus Super Stadium, with all proceeds from sales going to the Family of League’s official fundraiser for Arrow and his family.
The tribute comes just months after the former Titans, Broncos and Rabbitohs forward revealed his diagnosis. The devastating news cut short the career of one of rugby league’s most respected competitors and sparked a wave of support across the sport for Arrow, his wife Berina Colakovic and their young daughter Ayla.
Produced in partnership with Dynasty Sport, the jersey is being made free of charge so every dollar raised from sales can go directly to the Stand with Jai campaign.
The jersey honours Arrow’s 56 appearances for the Titans from 2018 to 2020, his rise from Burleigh Bears junior to Paul Broughton Medallist, and his emergence as a State of Origin representative.
The design draws on the Titans’ 2019 and 2020 away jersey. Above the club badge sits Arrow’s Gold Coast playing number and signature, while the upper back features the numbers he wore across his NRL career with the Broncos, Titans and Rabbitohs.
Each retail jersey will carry the number 13, the number most closely associated with his time on the Gold Coast.
The jersey reveal follows another major boost for the campaign, with Titans principal partner The Lottery Office last week donating $50,000 to support Arrow’s family and Queenslanders living with MND.
Announced at Arrow’s junior club, Burleigh Bears, the contribution was split evenly, with $25,000 going to MND Queensland and another $25,000 to the Family of League’s official Stand with Jai fundraiser.
It added fresh momentum to a campaign built around supporting Arrow and raising awareness of the disease, while also backing families across Queensland facing the daily reality of MND.
The Lottery Office chief executive Jaclyn Wood said Arrow’s courage had continued to inspire people well beyond his playing days.
“Jai inspired so many throughout his football career, but today it’s his courage and resilience off the field that inspires us all,” Ms Wood said.
“We’re proud to stand with him, the Titans and MND Queensland, playing our part in supporting those affected by motor neurone disease and helping more Queenslanders access the care they need.
“We hope this contribution inspires others to rally behind the MND community, investing in support and research that helps bring us one step closer to a cure.”
For Arrow, public support has continued to build since he shared his diagnosis in May, with tributes and fundraising efforts stretching across rugby league and into the wider sporting world.
The fundraising effort will continue before game day, with Titans coach Josh Hannay, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett and Broncos coach Michael Maguire set to appear at a charity luncheon at Burleigh Leagues Club on Friday, August 28.
Money raised there will support both MND Queensland and the Arrow family.
MND Queensland chief executive Stacey Thorpe said the donation from The Lottery Office would provide critical help for people living with the disease.
“Every day matters for people living with motor neurone disease, which is why we’re so grateful to The Lottery Office for this generous $25,000 donation,” Ms Thorpe said.
“This support will help MND Queensland provide practical support, care and advocacy for Queenslanders living with MND and their families.”
The jersey will be available for pre-order until Sunday, August 9, with delivery expected by mid-October, and will not be sold at the stadium on game day.
After the Rabbitohs clash, match-worn jerseys will also be auctioned as part of the Stand with Jai campaign, alongside money raised through the 50-50 charity raffle.
Originally published as Gold Coast Titans unveil Stand with Jai jersey to support Jai Arrow in MND fight