The Im/mortality of man

The headlines have broken. A father, husband, and beloved brother of the game, Jai Arrow, has been diagnosed with the dreaded motor neurone disease.

It came to my attention that several years ago, when Jai was selected to represent the mighty Queensland in the State of Origin, he was approached to shave a 'Q' into the side of his head. It was meant as a boost to the spirit of Queenslanders and a tip of the cap to the great Carl Webb, who famously stole the spotlight in Game 1, 2005, with a Q that looked more like the US Pentagon. Sadly, following an MND diagnosis in 2020, Carl Webb passed away in 2023. He was just 42. Ironically, the suggestion for Jai to shave the Q was part of an effort to raise awareness and funds for MND research.

At 30 years old, Jai's diagnosis is a sobering plunge into "why?" Why him? Out of the 304 players who line up for the NRL alone each week, why this particular player, and why any of our players? Of all the people – strong, fit, healthy, striving for greatness through physical mastery, why does this illness fall among these ranks? Science points to several reasons, with head knocks being the most glaring red flag.

So then, why do we play?

If sitting on the sidelines guaranteed our protection from this wretched ailment, I suppose it would be a sounder question. If every player hung up their boots tomorrow, there would be no sideline or game to be played, but the chance of MND would still exist. I'm certain players know the risks involved with professional contact sport, yet the thought of sitting in absolute, certified safety is surprisingly uncomfortable for some. Although welcomed by the "has-beens" and journeymen of our great sport, where comfort in sanctuary comes with the territory, a product of the mileage on the clock, the burning hearts of the young don't want assurances of protection. They want fire. They want impact. They want to chase mana and bask in brotherhood. They want life, and they find it between those white lines, in 80-minute doses.

Where is the life in an armchair's promise of comfort?

I salute those who live to the fullest and strive without a warranty. I pray you find peace and balance, and that the life you have is a full one, regardless of its length.

"Every man dies, but not every man really lives." – William Wallace