South Sydney Rabbitohs secure finals spot amid Jai Arrow milestone

The South Sydney Rabbitohs secured a 42–22 victory over the Gold Coast Titans, marking their first appearance in the NRL finals since 2022. The match was highlighted by an emotional milestone for Jai Arrow, who was granted special dispensation to participate in his 99th game for the club despite a motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis earlier this year.

Arrow led the team through a guard of honour before being substituted for Cameron Murray. Murray contributed significantly to the win, scoring two tries and setting up two others. Additionally, Latrell Mitchell returned to the lineup after missing several rounds due to injury, with coach Wayne Bennett confirming he was fully fit.

Following the emotional milestone, Rabbitohs players have pledged to use the momentum from Arrow’s appearance as motivation for their upcoming final-round derby against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. Roosters chairman Nick Politis has reportedly funded Arrow’s travel overseas to pursue experimental treatments for his condition.