The Gold Coast Titans are getting behind Jai Arrow and his fight against MND, announcing their Round 26 clash with the Rabbitohs will be dedicated to their former star.
Arrow made his debut for the Titans in 2018, winning the club’s Paul Broughton Medal in his first year.
He played 56 games over three seasons before joining Souths in 2021.
The Titans will join forces with Arrow’s former junior club, the Burleigh Bears, for the two-day extravaganza in August to raise funds for Jai’s battle.
A charity lunch will be held on Friday, August 28, featuring Titans coach Josh Hannay, Souths coach Wayne Bennett and Broncos coach Michael Maguire.
Game day on Saturday, August 29, will give Titans members and fans the chance to celebrate Arrow’s career, with the club announcing its charity partner for the game will be the Family of League’s Stand with Jai campaign.
The club will also wear a special jersey for the game which will be revealed in coming weeks.
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell says the club is proud to be part of the game-wide initiative supporting Jai and his family.
“Jai is much more than just a former Titan. He grew up here on the Gold Coast and is a mate to so many people across not only our game but our entire region,” Mitchell said.
“He gave everything every time he pulled on the Titans jersey, and now it’s our turn to stand beside him alongside the incredible support the rugby league community has offered him and his family following his diagnosis.
“There couldn’t be a more fitting occasion to do than when the Rabbitohs come to town in Round 26, and we’re proud to be working with the Burleigh Bears – where Jai’s rugby league story began – to celebrate everything he has achieved in the game and the impact he continues to have on so many people.
“We hope everyone across the Gold Coast gets behind this initiative and helps us show Jai just how much he means to our club and our community.”
Burleigh Bears CEO Damian Driscoll is honoured to partner with the Titans and help Stand with Jai.
“Jai came through the Burleigh Bears junior ranks and has always been part of the Bears family,” Driscoll said.
“His father Ray was a premiership-winning coach at the senior level, while his mum Nicole dedicated 10 years to the Burleigh Leagues Club. On top of that, our executive food and beverage manager Chris McIntyre has shared a close friendship with the Arrow family that spans decades, making this cause deeply personal for everyone connected to the club.
“This year marks the third year the Burleigh Leagues Club has proudly supported the fight against motor neurone disease.
“Together with the Titans, we look forward to standing alongside MND Queensland, the Arrow family and wider MND community to help raise vital funds and awareness for those impacted.”
More info and tickets are available at http://titans.com.au/standwithjai
