Joy Arrow: NRL star retires at 30 after MND diagnosis

“Further tests, expert review and treatment are still ongoing, and my doctors continue to assess my condition.

“Based on medical advice, I am not currently medically cleared to train or play at the required level, and I will step down from those responsibilities while I focus fully on my health, treatment and rehabilitation.”

MND affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which tell your muscles what to do.

It weakens and hardens them over time and usually affects how you walk, talk, eat and breathe.

Scientists aren’t sure what causes MND, but it’s likely a combination of genes – or biological traits – you get from your parents at birth and other lifestyle factors.

Fellow former Queensland player Carl Webb died of MND in 2023 aged 42, while former England rugby league half-back Rob Burrow died in 2024, five years after his diagnosis.

Former Scotland rugby union international Doddy Weir died in November 2022 and former World Cup-winning England international Lewis Moody was diagnosed in September 2025.

“Thank you for all the support I have received during what has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain time in my life,” said Arrow.

“In recent months, my symptoms have affected many parts of my daily life.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the personal support they have shown me and my family throughout this process.

“The South Sydney Rabbitohs, my teammates, staff and everyone behind the scenes have made facing an incredibly difficult situation so much easier.

“What I need right now is not sympathy or sadness. What I need is support, understanding and privacy as my family and I navigate this difficult time.

“This is only part of my story, and when the time is right, I will share more. But for now, I ask everyone to respect my privacy as I continue to work with my doctor and my family.”

Arrow made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2016, before joining the Titans in 2018. He joined South Sydney in 2021, for whom he made 98 NRL appearances.

“We all know how difficult the past few months have been for Jay, but we also know he will fight this illness with the same bravery, passion and character that characterized his playing career,” said Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly.

“Joy and his family will always be Rabbitohs and they will be part of this club for many years to come.”