'The ultimate team-mate': Rabbitohs stars pay tribute to Arrow

“They played for their mate”.

Wayne Bennett’s words perfectly summed up South Sydney's dominant 48-6 win over the Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium, where the words "Thank You Jai" were not only painted on the field but unravelled in a giant banner in the eastern grandstand.

Jai Arrow has played 178 NRL games for three clubs – Brisbane, Gold Coast and South Sydney – but late last year was diagnosed with MND – Motor Neurone Disease.

The 30 year-old announced his immediate retirement a month ago.

Arrow hugged his partner Berina and daughter, Ayla, wiping tears from his eyes as he rang South Sydney’s ‘Legacy Bell’ before kick-off in the game between two clubs he played a combined 128 games for.

The crowd applauded and cheered while giving Arrow a standing ovation as Broncos and Rabbitohs players formed a guard of honour for him.

Players from both sides then hugged him before they ran out to play.

The Broncos gave him a testimonial jersey and every South Sydney player had the name ‘Arrow’ printed on the back of their specially designed all-white jerseys.

Both sets of jerseys will be auctioned to raise funds for MND research and for the Arrow family.

“To see those scenes at the start, I sort of had to gather myself before the start of the game and really focus in on what my job and what my role was,” five-eighth and captain Cody Walker said.

“It was difficult but they were beautiful scenes and that’s something he deserves.

“He’s been a wonderful contributor to our game and to our club for a number of years.”

Many of the Souths players were overcome with emotion.

Centre Tallis Duncan told NRL.com afterwards the recognition ceremony for Arrow really hit home how much his teammates love him.

“For us we just want to do anything we can to support him,” Duncan said.

“We know what type of person he is – he’s a fighter and a beautiful person.”

Duncan agreed it was initially hard for players to switch their minds back to a game of NRL after witnessing how Arrow was embraced by everyone.

“In a way it was. We had to get our emotions back in check because we had a game of footy to play,” he said.

“At the same time, he was also our motivation. We knew we wanted to play our brand of football and that was the way to celebrate Jai.

“I’d just say he is the ultimate teammate. You could ask that of the three clubs he’s played with and they’d give you the same answer.”

Walker also reflected on the kindness and generosity of the rugby league community.

“It’s devastating what he’s going through but it’s quite beautiful that we all came together – people from different clubs and all walks of life are there to support him,” Walker said

“He’s going to need that – he’s got a tough journey ahead but he’s not going to be alone.

“I just want to commend Jai on the way he’s handled it. He’s handled it as a true champion.”

Walker said that whether it was field training or gym sessions Arrow and his teammates still joked around with each other.

“I think that’s what he needs – some normality in his life at the moment. I’m sure he’s going to be around the club for a long time.”