Rabbitohs Beat Roosters 50-20 on Jai Arrow's Milestone Night

South Sydney secured a home final with a 50-20 victory over the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday, but the result was only one part of an emotional night centered on former Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow. The Guardian reported that Arrow led South Sydney onto the field as captain for his 100th appearance for the club, three months after his motor neurone disease diagnosis.

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More than 40,000 spectators stood as Arrow emerged with his teammates. Club greats and former teammates formed a corridor for him, while the stadium played Stand By Me and You'll Never Walk Alone. Arrow walked to the center of the field and acknowledged the crowd before the match; he did not take part in the game itself.

The NRL adjusted its interchange rules to permit the milestone appearance, according to The Guardian. The occasion came in the final round of the 2026 regular season and carried added significance because matches between South Sydney and the Roosters are among the league's longest-running rivalries. It was also staged as a Rabbitohs home fixture at Allianz Stadium, where the clubs are due to share tenancy from 2027.

Arrow had retired in June following his diagnosis. He played all 25 of South Sydney's games in 2025 and was named the club's best and fairest player for that season. The Guardian also reported that he received the Souths Cares award for his charity work, including service on food vans supporting people experiencing homelessness.

South Sydney's support for Arrow has continued throughout the season. In July, athletes used an arrow-launching gesture as a tribute, and the Rabbitohs later wore a stripped-back white jersey bearing his surname. Coach Wayne Bennett and the club have remained publicly alongside Arrow, his wife Berina and their young daughter Ayla.

On the field, Latrell Mitchell returned to lead the Rabbitohs in the 50-point performance. The win over their traditional rivals guaranteed South Sydney a home game in the finals and closed the regular season with a decisive result. The night, however, was defined most clearly by the reception for Arrow and the club's recognition of his century of appearances.