'Remember forever': Fans set for rare experience at Jai's birthday party
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South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi has urged fans to take advantage of a rare opportunity to run on to Accor Stadium as the rugby league community unites to celebrate Jai Arrow's 31st birthday.
The Rabbitohs will host the 'World's Biggest Birthday Party' when they take on Newcastle on Sunday afternoon in honour of the retired forward.
Arrow retired earlier this season when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and this week's match is the latest initiative to raise funds for his fight with the condition.
Rugby league stands as one in support of Jai Arrow
The game falls on the former Queensland representative's birthday, with fans permitted to take to the Accor Stadium turf following the match as part of the festivities.
Koloamatangi will never forget the first time he got to step foot on the hallowed turf and encouraged supporters to make the most of a unique opportunity this weekend.
"When I was younger they didn't let us go on the field as fans but I was a Souths junior so we got to play there a few times before the game and at half-time," Koloamatangi said.
"When you're six or seven years old and you're playing on Accor, it's the best thing ever. You can't sleep the night before, you can't wait to tell all the people at school. All the kids that will be there on Sunday, they'll experience that and it's something you'll remember forever."
Match: Rabbitohs v Knights
Round 19 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
8th Position
away Team
Knights
4th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The chance to enter the field is one of multiple activities planned for Sunday afternoon, with the Wiggles performing at half-time.
Fans in the stands and at home will have the chance to donate to Arrow's fight against MND, while the Rabbitohs are hoping to break the world record for most people wearing a party hat at one time.
Two children receive free entry with every paying adult and families have been encouraged to take advantage of the offer on what will hopefully be a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The Rabbitohs are hoping for a crowd exceeding 30,000 to help celebrate Arrow's contribution to the sport.
It's been a busy week for the Queenslander, who wed his long-term partner last Sunday before flying to Brisbane to join the Maroons ahead of Wednesday's State of Origin decider.
Jai Arrow is in the house
Arrow was presented with a special Queensland jersey and carried the Origin shield on to Suncorp Stadium before the match.
Sunday's game marks the Rabbitohs second celebration of Arrow, with the team wearing a unique white jersey in their Round 15 win over the Broncos, the club he made his NRL debut for.
Koloamatangi said the side is eager to repeat that performance this weekend against the in-form Knights.
"We had a good win over Brisbane a couple of weeks ago and now this week is his birthday," Koloamatangi said. "Anything to do with Jai, we want to put a smile on his face and not disappoint him.
"What we're going to play on the weekend, it's nothing compared to what he's going through at the moment. We're just playing a game of footy so the least we can do is send him off with the two points."
There are crucial football implications for Sunday's match, with South Sydney desperate to maintain their place in the top eight.
The Rabbitohs sit eighth on 22 points, level with the seventh-placed Sea Eagles and ninth-placed Cowboys. Newcastle are currently fourth, equal on 26 points with the second-placed Warriors and third-placed Roosters.
First take: Rabbitohs v Knights
Skipper Cam Murray is expected to back up following Wednesday's Origin win, while Bradman Best and Kalyn Ponga are also a chance of lining up for the Knights.
Throughout his five seasons with the Rabbitohs, Arrow served as the inspirational heart of the South Sydney pack and prop Junior Tatola said the side is desperate to carry his legacy forward this weekend and into the future.
"His presence when he played with us was massive and we miss him," Tatola said.
"For us forwards, we always try to go out there and play the way he played. He gave his all and wore his heart on his sleeve so that's how we try to play.
"He's a special human being. He does everything for his teammates on and off the field. We can't wait to get out there this Sunday and put in a good performance for him.
"Hopefully we can celebrate his birthday and celebrate it with a win. That's how he would want it and that's what we're going to try to do."
Be there to celebrate the World's Biggest Birthday Party and help raise funds for Jai Arrow's fight with MND. Two kids receive free entry with each paying adult, click here to get your tickets today.
