Jai Arrow’s revelation he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease has led fans to call on the NRL to introduce a special round.
The Rabbitohs star broke down as the news was announced, and he vows to inspire fellow sufferers as he fights the condition.
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Fans are also keen to help in any way they can and they have called on the league to introduce a round dedicated to MND.
They want to raise awareness of the disease and fundraise for research to combat it, with Arrow not the only player to have been diagnosed.
“The NRL should do a round to fundraise for MND research this year given Jai arrow’s diagnosis, with Carl Webb fresh in the minds of many too,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “Many families (mine included) have been touched by this horrible disease. “An MND awareness round is a terrific idea.”
A third wrote: “Global MND Awareness Day is June 21st. Super League/Championship and the NRL should make the closest round to that date an MND Round to fundraise for MND research.”
And another commented: “Rugby League has been a real flagship for MND and after deaths in both SL and NRL, I hope both leagues come together to create a MND Round, to raise funds to help find a cure for this horrible disease!!”
Meanwhile, the AFL has had an MND round since 2015.
Former Melbourne Demons coach Neale Danihe was the driving force behind the initiative, which centres around the ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ match.
Like the AFL, the NRL could partner with FightMND to raise funds and awareness.
This year’s Big Freeze Round takes place between May 29 and June 5, with organisers looking to add to the $115 million raised since the round’s inception.
Originally published as Fans call for NRL to introduce a round to fundraise for MND in light of Jai Arrow’s diagnosis