The Australian gave a gut-wrenching interview after the devastating diagnosis
Rugby league star Jai Arrow fought back tears in a heartbreaking television interview after revealing he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 30.
The former South Sydney Rabbitohs forward announced his immediate retirement from rugby league this week following months of medical testing, having not played in the NRL since September.
Now, in an emotional interview with Australia’s Channel 9, Arrow opened up on his determination to fight the disease despite the devastating diagnosis.
“I have progressed from November until now,” he said. “Speech is one among those things.”
Asked what the future looked like for him, Arrow replied: “To fight.
“I want to do this to let people know I am OK and I am ready to fight. I really have a lot. Nothing is going to take me out easy.
“I want to do everything I can. Any trial, any medication that will maintain me for as long as possible.
“I want to inspire as well. I want to inspire other people who have been diagnosed.”
Arrow appeared visibly emotional throughout the interview as he discussed the impact the condition has already had on him and his family.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a decade-long professional career, representing the Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans, while also earning honours for Queensland in State of Origin.
His diagnosis has sent shockwaves through rugby league, with former Australia international and media personality Mark Geyer admitting he broke down in tears after seeing Arrow’s interview.
Speaking on 4BC Breakfast with Dean Miller and Sofie Formica, Geyer said: “I spoke to him three months ago and he was fantastic compared to what he was last night.
“Then I saw the story last night and I just burst into tears. I just couldn’t stop.
“I just said, ‘Wow, that’s not good. That’s not good at all.'”
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Arrow confirmed his diagnosis publicly at an emotional press conference earlier this week, although he was unable to speak and instead released a written statement.
“Thank you for the support I’ve received over what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in my life,” he wrote.
“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.”
MND is a life-limiting neurological disease which affects the motor nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness, paralysis and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.
Arrow’s diagnosis comes less than a year after former Lewis Moody captain revealed he had also been diagnosed with MND.
The disease has also tragically claimed the lives of rugby league icon Rob Burrow and former British & Irish Lions lock Doddie Weir in recent years.