How Jai Arrow spent Monday night ‘laughing and joking’ with his Queensland mates

There were lovely scenes inside Restaurant 317 in Parramatta on Monday night when Jai Arrow joined the Queensland Origin team for some Italian.

A week after the Rabbitohs confirmed Arrow had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease – and would be forced to retire from the game immediately – the Maroons made a point of honouring his service to the state.

There was a highlights’ package of Arrow’s 12 games for Queensland, followed by a touching speech from coach Billy Slater.

Slater confirmed Arrow would join the players on the team bus from Parramatta to Accor Stadium on Wednesday night, and be part of the inner sanctum during the Origin opener.

Slater also used his captain’s run press conference to send his condolences to the family of AFL champion Neale Daniher, who lost his battle with MND after 13 years on Monday.

“Jai is one of those guys who loves being around his mates, his teammates, and a footy environment – he’s the life of the party, and it was no different on Monday night,” Slater said.

“To see Jai laughing, joking with his teammates, it was a really cool environment to be in.

“We thought it was really important we bring Jai in, for Jai.

“The other thing was it was a great opportunity to celebrate Jai’s career.

“We all know the journey he is embarking on [with MND], it’s going to be a really tough one. We’re all there for him as Queenslanders, and members of the rugby league community.

“As Queenslanders, we certainly acknowledged our player No. 196, and celebrated what he brought in the Maroon jersey.

“I saw many memories on a video last night. When I think of Jai Arrow, and I was very fortunate to be one of the few people who was a teammate of his, as well as his coach. The one thing I love about Jai is he’s reliable.”

The extent of Arrow’s condition and the impact it has had on his speech rocked the rugby league community last week when he was interviewed by Nine’s Danika Mason.

Slater referenced that interview and how Arrow wanted to inspire others by fighting the condition, which affects the nerve cells required for movement such as walking, swallowing, talking and breathing.

“When people like Jai go through adversity and tough times, and they’re thinking about others – and what they can do for others – that’s a pretty cool legacy to leave, Slater said.

“The decision to bringing him in wasn’t to inspire the group, it was to be around him and support him. The boys get a kick out of seeing their mate.

“His speech is failing him a bit, but he’s still got the same sense of humour, I can tell he still loves being a Queenslander. He’ll definitely be in our company come game night.”

Meanwhile, Slater confirmed skipper Cameron Munster was not in doubt for the series opener, and the decision to rest him was to help with tightness.

“When you get older and towards the back end of your career, you need modifications. The week [in camp] is about ensuring you play your best football on Wednesday night,” Slater said.

“We felt the other day that the best thing for Cam was to have a session off, and freshen up his body. He’ll be right to go.”

Slater said he had been pleasantly surprised by the skill set of debutant playmaker Sam Walker, and was a fan of NSW’s late addition Ethan Strange’s toughness.