Jai Arrow Retires From NRL Following Motor Neurone Disease Diagnosis

Jai Arrow, a representative rugby league player for South Sydney and New South Wales, announced his immediate retirement from the NRL on May 20, 2026. The decision follows a medical diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND).

The 30-year-old athlete is the reigning player of the year for South Sydney and has played 12 matches for Queensland. Arrow had not appeared in the NRL during the 2026 season, an absence that was initially attributed to a shoulder injury sustained during the pre-season.

In a statement released on May 20, 2026, Arrow confirmed that the diagnosis was the result of months of medical testing, and consultations. He emphasized that handling this situation is much more important than football.

After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition. 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.

Jai Arrow

Motor neurone disease describes a group of conditions that impact the nerve cells that carry messages from the brain to the muscles through the spinal cord. As reported by The Guardian, MND is life-threatening, and while the speed at which it affects an individual varies, there is currently no cure for the disease.

Approximately 2,750 people are currently living with MND in Australia.