Albanese lauds Arrow's courage amid inspirational MND battle
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has credited Jai Arrow for inspiring the nation through his brave battle with motor neurone disease.
The prime minister was on hand on Friday night as Arrow walked on to Allianz Stadium for his 100th, and final, appearance as a Rabbitoh.
The emotional scenes came in front of more than 41,000 fans, South Sydney and Roosters supporters putting aside more than a century of animosity to celebrate the former Queensland representative.
The sold-out crowd erupted each time Arrow was shown on the big screen throughout the match.
The crowd rise again for Jai
A long time Rabbitohs fan, Albanese joined the side in the sheds post-game as they celebrated a 50-20 victory and the prime minister said Arrow's journey highlights the power of rugby league to unite communities.
"I think there wasn't a dry eye in the house," Albanese said. "With Jai's courage, he is an inspiring person, he shows the strength of his character.
"He came a few weeks ago to Kirribilli House and I've had the opportunity to get to know him. The occasion tonight was rugby league at its best. Rugby league is about tribalism, but it's also about something bigger.
"It's about looking after each other. Tonight, whether they were Souths supporters, Roosters supporters or just human beings, it was really uplifting, a great moment."
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 27 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Current South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett handed Arrow his NRL debut at the Broncos back in 2016.
After a stint with the Titans, Bennett lured the forward to the Rabbitohs in 2021 and they eventually reunited when the coach returned for a second stint at the club last year.
The pair shared an emotional embrace when Arrow left the field for the final time, with the forward choking back tears amid a standing ovation.
"It was very special," Bennett said post-game. "It was a great atmosphere, unbelievable actually."
Arrow's inspiring battle with MND has driven the Rabbitohs since his diagnosis was announced in May and it will remain a primary motivator throughout the upcoming finals series.
Rabbitohs v Roosters - Round 27, 2026
Friday's win secured a home game in the opening week of the post-season, South Sydney likely to host Newcastle in a sudden-death playoff.
With Latrell Mitchell back on deck and the team's big guns firing, the Rabbitohs are peaking at the right time of year as they look to go on a run to the premiership.
Spencer and Keaon reignite the feud
While history is against them, prop Keaon Koloamatangi is confident the desire to celebrate Arrow's career will carry the side on a deep finals run.
"I love that guy to death, he's one of my closest friends," Koloamatangi said. "He's one of the best guys I've ever met. That love and support he's got from the Roosters, the Rabbitohs and the whole NRL is well deserved.
"We use that as motivation every week and the plan is to send him off with a ring. There's still a lot of hard work to go and it's a new ballgame next week, but we can't wait."
