Billy Slater set to invite Jai Arrow into Maroons camp after star’s MND diagnosis
Billy Slater is keen to lift the players’ spirits ahead of Origin 1 next week. And he has come up with a plan to do so.
Billy Slater is set to invite Jai Arrow into the Maroons camp after he revealed he is battling motor neurone disease.
Arrow is a former Queensland player himself and he is close to several members of the squad.
Now he is set to join up with the camp when the team arrive in Sydney next Monday ahead of Origin 1, report Code Sports.
There was reportedly a sombre mood among the squad following the announcement, but Arrow’s presence could change that.
Jai Arrow is set to be invited to Maroons camp after being diagnosed with MND
While Queensland are understood to be exploring other ways to honour the stricken star.
Kalyn Ponga gave an insight into the mood in camp in an interview with NRL 360.
“It’s terrible news, it’s definitely been spoken about in this camp,” Ponga said.
“I played a lot of footy against Jai and he’s one of those guy you didn’t want to play against because he was so passionate and played aggressively but after the game you wanted to have a beer with him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones.
“One thing about Jai is he’s a strong bloke. There’s a journey ahead of him but he is a man that’s fit for it.”
Meanwhile Maroons legend Allan Langer has also thrown his support behind Arrow, and is sure the 30-year-old will act as a source of inspiration for the team.
“It’s something you never expect. It was so sad to see. He is such a great talent and great guy.
“At 30 years of age with a wife and young family, it’s very sad to see.
“I’m sure the football community will get behind him. Queensland will get behind him and hopefully go out and play the way that Jai loved playing for Queensland.
“I’m sure he will inspire the boys.
“It will be great to see him when we get to Sydney.
“He was great for Queensland. When he pulled that Queensland jersey on, he never let us down.”
It remains to be seen if Arrow will be attendance for the opener in Sydney next Wednesday, or if the Maroons will pay tribute to him.
