NRL changes rules to allow Jai Arrow to 'play' 100 games for Souths

The National Rugby League (NRL) has modified its interchange rules to allow Jai Arrow to play in the final two games of the 2026 regular season, reaching a milestone of 100 games for South Sydney. The 31-year-old forward, who retired due to a motor neurone disease diagnosis, will start in rounds 26 and 27 before being substituted out in the opening seconds.

This decision was made after the Rabbitohs appealed to the NRL to grant Arrow an on-field swansong while still able to walk and run. Arrow, named co-captain with Cameron Murray, has been added as an extra player to the team list and an extra substitution in their rotation. The matches against the Titans on the Gold Coast and the Sydney Roosters in Sydney will mark Arrow's 180th career game and 100th for the Rabbitohs.

Arrow will lead the team in both games and sit on the interchange bench after being substituted out. Both the Titans and Roosters have approved the plan, along with the Rugby League Players Association. Souths CEO Blake Solly expressed gratitude to the NRL, Clint Newton from the RLPA, and the support from all clubs for Arrow's cause.

The NRL community has rallied around Arrow since his shocking diagnosis in May, with fundraising efforts surpassing $1 million to support the former Queensland representative, a father of a young daughter.