Emotional Arrow scenes ignite Bunnies blitz before finals spot secured
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Jai Arrow could not hide his emotions as he led the Rabbitohs out before their 42-22 win over the Titans on Saturday, in what was an emotional moment for the NRL community.
Arrow was forced to retire with immediate effect earlier this season after he revealed he had been diagnosed with MND, meaning he would finish just short of 100 caps for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Arrow leads the Rabbitohs out to face the Titans. Getty Images
The Rabbitohs announced earlier this week they had found a way to ensure Arrow would reach his 100-game milestone for the club, with the NRL approving for the 31-year-old to run out alongside his teammates and stay on the field until the whistle is blown.
Arrow received a standing ovation as he did exactly that, recording his 99th cap in the cardinal and myrtle.
The sounds of You’ll Never Walk Alone blasted around Cbus Super Stadium, where Arrow used to call home when he played for Gold Coast, as he made his way onto the field, with teammates embracing him along the way.
As he turned and stood under the posts, he gave Cody Walker a hug and smiled.
“It is very emotional watching everything from up here in the commentary box,” Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said on Fox League.
“You can see the emotion on Jai. What a moment for rugby league.”
Referee Liam Kennedy then signalled for the kick-off to take place, with attention then turning to the sidelines where Cameron Murray waited to be subbed on.
Arrow jokingly waved Murray away as his teammates applauded him off.
A special interchange sign with his name on it was made to signal his substitution.
Arrow could not hide his emotions as he made his way to the bench to watch on alongside his teammates.
A few minutes later, Murray fittingly crashed over to score the opening try of the game.
Jai Arrow acknowledges the crowd as he leaves the field. Getty Images
The skipper scored again as South Sydney shot out to a 28-6 lead by the break.
“Pretty emotional I think for a lot of the boys there,” Murray said on Fox League at half-time.
“I’m really happy we were able to put that on like we did and get around Jai.
“It’s a big game for us.”
The Titans returned with a new level of energy in the second 40 minutes, scoring fast back-to-back tries on the board via Oliver Pascoe and Siale Faeamani.
But the Bunnies managed to hold on, with a late appearance from the returning Latrell Mitchell and tries to Tallis Duncan and Alex Johnston icing the win.
Arrow was seen celebrating the club’s victory with teammates on the bench and then on the field after the game.
“Jai has given his life to rugby league. He is a good mate, a good person. He deserves all the credit he gets,” Mitchell told Fox League post-match.
“The 100 next week is going to be pretty special. We love him.”
“It was a surreal moment, to be fair. I’ve never sat on the bench,” he added laughing, reflecting on his first game back since injury.
“You always want to be there for your mates. I just wanted to come and add a bit of value to the team. I was so grateful to be there, happy days.”
The victory sent the Bunnies up to sixth on the ladder, leapfrogging Newcastle who have a tough game against the Warriors on Sunday.
