Berina Colakovic, Jai Arrow’s fiancée, has disclosed the challenging family choices they now have to make in the wake of the former NRL star’s catastrophic motor neurone disease diagnosis, including whether to have another child.
Only a few days after the rugby league community was shocked to learn that Arrow had been diagnosed with MND at the age of thirty, the couple made these heartfelt remarks.
One of rugby league’s most well-known players is now fighting the battle of his life after the illness caused the South Sydney favorite to retire right away.
In an emotional radio appearance on Friday, Arrow and Colakovic talked openly about the diagnosis, discussing the uncertainties around their future and the challenging conversations they are now obliged to undertake.
Ayla Rae, the couple’s daughter, was born in early 2025. They got engaged in October 2024 while on a romantic vacation in Italy.
Like many young families, they had discussed Ayla’s future and whether or not she might someday have siblings.
Last week, South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow revealed the devastating news that he had received an MND diagnosis.
After receiving his heartbreaking MND diagnosis, Jai Arrow and his fiancée Berina must make difficult family decisions.
Berina acknowledges that she has always wished for her daughter Ayla to have a sibling.
These plans are now seen from a completely different perspective.
Colakovic stated, “I would love Ayla to have a brother or sister, but even with stuff like that, those are big discussions given the disease and lifespan. Those are probably big personal milestones – but to be honest, I’m happy to go wherever he wants to go.”
The couple’s reality as they deal with life after the diagnosis was brought to light by the admittance.
Colakovic also discussed the psychological toll of witnessing Arrow’s symptoms worsen before medical professionals were able to determine the cause.She stated, “I think I was in a bit of denial in the lead-up to the diagnosis. It kind of spiralled into him losing a bit of his voice, and that was very visible.”
Arrow has promised to continue fighting for the future of his fiancée Berina and their baby Ayla.
During Origin week, Queensland honored Arrow by designating him as their honorary 21st player. “He’s 30, right? At home, we have a young child who recently turned one. Thus, it was quite difficult for me.
Arrow disclosed that he had sensed a problem long before he was diagnosed.
“I noticed my shoulder was twitching and a lot of weakness,” Arrow said. “I noticed a lot of things leading up to that.” The initial symptoms started while he was still playing professionally, with his body no longer responding as it previously had. That was a big warning sign for me, and when I was playing, I felt weak and unlike myself.”Alright buddy, what is going on here?” was my reaction when I realized my speech had begun.
Medical tests eventually verified the tragic diagnosis as the symptoms became increasingly apparent.
A degenerative neurological disorder called motor neurone disease targets the nerve cells that regulate muscles. Movement, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing are all impacted.
Arrow’s illness compelled him to terminate his illustrious rugby league career right away.
Arrow claims that since the news of the diagnosis, support from all throughout Australia has been overwhelming.
The usual life expectancy after diagnosis, according to MND Australia, is typically two to three years, but patient advancement varies greatly.
One of the most poignant moments of the conversation was when Colakovic was asked if they had received a diagnosis from doctors.
She stated, “We don’t want to know.”
The couple’s strategy of concentrating on making the most of the upcoming time rather than obsessing over numbers was reflected in the response.
“The prognosis) for me, it’s be around for my daughter and Berina for as long as I can,” Arrow stated. “And she knows I’ll do that.” “I’ll fight, and I’ll beat it – I will.”
The couple stated that because of their uncertain future, they do not want to know Arrow’s medical prognosis.
The former Queensland Origin player said that he has no idea why he contracted the illness at such an early age.
“I don’t know,” Arrow remarked. “It’s one of those strange ones where it is what it is for me right now.”
There has been an incredible outpouring of support from rugby league and beyond following Arrow’s diagnosis.
The forward, who has long been considered as one of the most revered individuals in the game, has received support from current and former players, coaches, teams, and supporters.
This week’s State of Origin camp in Queensland received additional support.
Billy Slater, the Maroons coach, asked Arrow to camp despite his forced retirement, and he went to Sydney with the team before Origin I.
By designating him as their honorary 21st player for the game and giving him a locker in the dressing room, Queensland went above and beyond.
As former comrades came together to support him, Arrow also accompanied players to team events over the week.
According to Slater, the offer was never intended to be motivated by Arrow’s diagnosis.
Rather, it was about helping a friend. “The boys get a kick out of seeing their mate … and he’s still the same Jai,” Slater remarked. “He’s obviously going through a bit, and his speech is failing him a little bit, but he’s still got the same sense of humor.” He still seems to enjoy being from Queensland.
Jai is one of those people that enjoys being in a football environment with his teammates. He is the party’s life.
Arrow represented Queensland 12 times at the State of Origin level and participated in 178 NRL games while playing for the Broncos, Titans, and Rabbitohs.
Additionally, he was a part of the Maroons team that won the 2020 Origin series by famously upsetting New South Wales.
Outside of football, Arrow gained recognition for his substantial charitable contributions to organizations like as Whatability and St. Vincent de Paul.
The former forward said he was overwhelmed by the response to his diagnosis. “The whole of Australia, it’s been surreal,” he added. “From the bottom of my heart, I am truly, truly grateful.”
For the time being, Arrow and Colakovic are focused on their daughter, one another, and the difficulties that lie ahead.
The former Origin star is adamant that he is not giving up hope despite the uncertain future. “I will fight,” he declared, “and I’ll beat it.”
