They’ve been at each other for 118 years but on Friday night hostilities will cease for a few minutes as players and fans from South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters honour Jai Arrow in his 100th NRL game.
Following on from the emotional celebrations at Cbus Stadium last week for Arrow’s 99th game, another packed house at Allianz Stadium will continue that love for the 31-year-old for his 100th.
"Over the weekend, even since the announcement of Jai's condition, we've seen that some things are bigger than football,” said Roosters utility Connor Watson.
"He's obviously going to play his 100th game for the Rabbitohs on Friday so we'll be there to celebrate with him.”
Arrow’s MND diagnosis has brought all corners of the game together to offer support and love for the Arrow family.
“There's a lot of things in the game of rugby league we can't change,” said Roosters prop Naufahu Whyte.
“I send my full love and respect out to Jai and his family and what he's done for the game.
In full: Jai Arrow's return to the pitch
"It's a privilege to be in that moment with him as he represents his 100th game.
"I know all us Roosters brothers support him.”
Both Watson and Whyte said there would be no issue balancing the acknowledgement for Arrow with the need to then go out and play 80 minutes of high intensity footy against a fellow finalist.
"It's all a mindset,” Whyte said.
“One moment you can be in a situation and another moment you can flick that switch in your head and go into battle.
Bennett talks about the love for Jai Arrow
"We'll celebrate that moment with Jai - he deserves it - and then we'll cross those white lines and get ready for the match.”
Whyte has a 4-2 record against Souths since his first ‘Book of Feuds’ experience in Round 24, 2021.
In 2026 he’s looking forward to the up-front confrontation with Tevita Tatola and Keaon Koloamatangi.
“Most definitely... obviously the history but also the energy you get against the Bunnies, everyone is hunting, it's a full 80-minute game with no change in tempo or intensity," Whyte said.
“That's what makes the rivalry so special. I'm grateful to be part of it.”
Whyte dismisses the recent Roosters losses against Wests Tigers (Round 25) and Dolphins (Round 26) as harming team confidence in any way.
"We're not worried at all about it. It's part of the journey, part of the season,” he said.
Roosters v Rabbitohs – Round 2, 2026
"Every good team, every great team, has had their downfalls. I guess we're riding that now but I still have full belief.
"I still back my brothers and know what we're capable of doing.
"What is said within these four walls is sacred to us - the belief is high.
“These two losses don't rattle us at all.
"We've taken our lessons over the past couple of weeks and we head into this game with a new fresh mindset - we're going after it.”
- Jai Arrow 100 Games Milestone T-Shirt
- Proceeds from tees sold will go directly to Jai and his family.
