The NRL has approved special rule changes to allow Jai Arrow to play two more games for South Sydney in order to reach a club milestone.
Arrow will be named in the Rabbitohs squad for rounds 26 and 27, and will run out with the team for kick off, before being interchanged and spend the remainder of the game on the team bench.
Jai Arrow watches on for his birthday game. Getty Images
The NRL is allowing South Sydney to name one extra player in its squad, and have one extra interchange in order to get Arrow to 100 games for the Bunnies.
He will become the 67th player to reach the milestone with the club.
Arrow, 31, was forced to medically retire earlier this year after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The Rabbitohs put the proposal to the NRL and the players’ association and it was green lit.
“We are very grateful to Peter (V’landys) and the NRL, and Clint (Newton) at the RLPA, for supporting our proposal, as well as for receiving the support for this from our opposition clubs in the Titans and Roosters, for Jai’s participation in these two games,” South Sydney boss Blake Solly said in a statement.
“We believe this will provide great inspiration for everyone watching the game from the stadium or at home, showing that MND will not hold Jai, or anyone else, back from achieving what they want to achieve in life.
“This initiative will also help to raise awareness and funds for Jai and his fight with MND and afford him the honour of playing 100 first grade games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, something only a select few players have achieved in their careers, and give him due recognition for the efforts he has made for South Sydney and the sport over the past decade.
“For Jai to be able to add these games to his tally against his former club, and at a game which we believe will be close to, if not sold out at Allianz Stadium, will be a fitting tribute to a player that has given his all to the Rabbitohs, Titans, Broncos and Queensland throughout his playing career.
“His fight against MND has already been inspirational, and we can’t wait to welcome Jai back onto the field for two more games to inspire everyone connected with Rugby League and in society in general.”
The Rabbitohs face Arrow’s former club the Titans this Saturday, and then the Roosters the following Friday night.
They sit seventh on the NRL ladder, are fighting to play finals, and likely have to win at least one of their two remaining games to qualify for the playoffs.