Jai Arrow marries partner months after MND diagnosis

Tue 7 Jul 2026 at 11:02am

Tue 7 Jul 2026 at 11:02am

In short:

Former NRL player Jai Arrow has married his partner Berina Colakovic, months after revealing his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.

In a post on social media, the couple thanked family and friends for their help making the day special.

Arrow announced he was retiring from the NRL in May and revealed he had been diagnosed with MND.

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs and Queensland State of Origin player Jai Arrow has married his partner Berina Colakovic, months after revealing his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.

Arrow and Ms Colakovic held a small ceremony in Sydney, sharing images on social media.

The pair got engaged in Italy in 2024.

In a social media post, Ms Colakovic thanked family and friends for their help with the day.

"We did a thing," she said.

"An extra special thank you to our family friends the Beaths for witnessing our special day and watching our little angel.

"I am in awe of how amazing people are … thank you to Maddi, Lucy, Jazz, and everyone who gave their time to make this elopement a very extra special one."

Arrow announced he was retiring from the NRL in May and revealed he had been diagnosed with MND.

According to MND Australia, MND is not a single disease but a large number of related conditions, all of which affect the function of the nerve and brain cells that control movements.

Examples of early symptoms can include slurred speech, a weak grip, muscle cramps or twitches, weakness in legs, weight loss and laughing or crying in inappropriate situations.

There is no specific test or cure for the disease.

In support, the NRL has launched Jai July, featuring Sunday's upcoming clash between the Rabbitohs and the Newcastle Knights, which the league has labelled the "world's biggest birthday party" for Arrow's 31st.

It will also include initiatives across the month to raise money for MND research and support.