Arrow's career was devastatingly cut short by a tragic motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis after playing 24 games for Brisbane Broncos, 56 for Gold Coast Titans and 98 for current club South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has given special dispensation to the Rabbitohs to add one additional player to their team lists and interchange bench for the next two weeks to accommodate what will effectively be a ceremonial appearance from Arrow in both matches.
Only 66 of the more than 1,200 players to represent the Rabbitohs in first grade football since 1908 have achieved the 100-game milestone, meaning that Arrow is set to join an exclusive and elite club of players.
Under the special arrangements, Arrow will walk out onto the field as part of the Rabbitohs' starting XIII for their final two games and be substituted off the field almost immediately, sitting out the remainder of the match on the bench in his playing kit.
He will take to the pitch against former club Gold Coast this Saturday afternoon before doing so again against the Sydney Roosters.
It will mean that he is officially recorded as having played for the Rabbitohs a 99th and 100th time.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said on Tuesday that the club had received full support from ARLC boss Peter V'Landys, the league's Players Association as well as the Rabbitohs' two upcoming opponents to allow for Arrow's on-field farewell.
“We believe this will provide great inspiration for everyone watching the game from the stadium or at home, showing that MND will not hold Jai, or anyone else, back from achieving what they want to achieve in life," Solly added.
“This initiative will also help to raise awareness and funds for Jai and his fight with MND and afford him the honour of playing 100 first grade games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, something only a select few players have achieved in their careers, and give him due recognition for the efforts he has made for South Sydney and the sport over the past decade.
“For Jai to be able to add these games to his tally against his former Club, and at a game which we believe will be close-to, if not sold-out at Allianz Stadium, will be a fitting tribute to a player that has given his all to the Rabbitohs, Titans, Broncos and Queensland throughout his playing career."
V'Landys again paid tribute to Arrow's bravery when giving his blessing for the special dispensation, adding: "The game of rugby league is so much more than what happens on the field. At times it is the conduit to bring out the best of humanity.
"This thoughtful gesture by the South Sydney Rabbitohs shows the true heart of our game. Jai has inspired millions of people around the world with the courage and strength he has shown in his fight with MND. He is not only a great player, but an extraordinary person.
"Reaching 100 games for the Rabbitohs is a special achievement one that Jai, his family and everyone who has supported him should be incredibly proud of. The entire Rugby League community stands with Jai and is honoured to celebrate this remarkable milestone with him.”
Arrow will be named as a South Sydney Rabbitohs starter when their teamlists are published at 4pm AEST on Tuesday.
The Titans had already dedicated their final home game of the season to Arrow, selling a limited jersey with 100% of proceeds going directly to Jai and his family.
You can donate to the 'Stand With Jai' campaign here to support his treatment and his family, which includes wife Berina and one-year-old daughter Ayla.
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
