Jai Arrow has cemented himself as one of rugby league’s toughest and most selfless players – but the Rabbitohs star might be set for a stint on the sidelines soon.
It’s been no secret that the back-rower has been dealing with a shoulder injury for the majority of the year, but South Sydney have delayed his surgery due to an injury crisis.
Arrow has battled through with heavy strapping and it’s paid off for the cardinal and myrtle, who secured their fifth-straight win on Thursday night against the Eels.
READ MORE: Eels rookie ’embarrasses’ teammates in ‘soft’ defeat
READ MORE: Young gun overlooked in crunch selection call
READ MORE: ‘He is intense’: Joey weighs in on Moses spray
Speaking to Nine post-game, Arrow heaped praise on his side’s defensive resolve in rain-affected conditions at CommBank Stadium in the 32-16 victory.
Jai Arrow celebrates with his teammates against the Eels. Getty
“It’s pretty satisfying – we had to overcome some adversity at the start of the year, but we just spoke about continuing to turn up to work,” he said.
“Just enjoy each other’s company and the wins will come and we seem to be doing that, so it’s quite satisfying. There’s nothing better than winning rugby league games.
“I think our defensive efforts in the first half. With an attacking side like Parramatta and Mitch Moses in the side, you know they can score points and we just continued to turn up for each other. I think defensively we were pretty good … we’ll be pretty proud.”
Arrow finished with 128 run metres and 23 tackles in a solid 80-minute performance, while the likes of Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell starred for the visitors.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
But with some key troops expected back in the coming weeks, Arrow might only have one game left for the year, with plans to undergo surgery following round 19.
“The plan was to get through next week against the Dolphins … I’m definitely playing next week and then they will reassess,” he said.
Jai Arrow has struggled with injury for the majority of the year. Getty
“We haven’t had the luxury to have me go and get the surgery earlier on because we’ve had so many injuries. I think that we’re getting a few boys back after next week.
“I’m actually booked in on my birthday. Getting a new shoulder is the best birthday present I could ever ask for. Happy days if I do get my new shoulder, but if the club or the boys decide that they want me to play on, I’m happy to play on.
“If we win next week, the club may reassess. Who knows? Miracles could happen.”
Cameron Murray took a cheeky dig at Arrow in the post-game press conference, but acknowledged the selfless nature of his efforts.
“He carries on a bit … but he’s a good teammate,” the skipper said.
“He epitomises what it means to be a good teammate. He always says his biggest fear is letting his teammates down and he shows that every week.”