Berina Colakovic, the wife of former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow, has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis and the uncertainty now facing their young family.
In an emotional interview, Colakovic admitted she struggled to accept that Arrow’s worsening symptoms could be caused by MND, remaining in denial until doctors confirmed the diagnosis in May.
She said she has tried to remain strong for Arrow and their 15-month-old daughter, Ayla, but privately experiences moments of fear and grief about what the future may hold.
Colakovic revealed that she sometimes finds herself crying while driving to her daughter’s daycare, overwhelmed by questions about whether she could become a widow before turning 40, whether Ayla will have enough time to know her father and whether the couple will be able to expand their family.
She said it is the uncertainty surrounding the illness that frightens her most.
Arrow and Colakovic, who married last week, have chosen not to receive a detailed prognosis. The couple has said they understand the seriousness of the condition but do not want their lives to be controlled by a predicted timeline.
Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological condition that damages the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. According to MND Australia, average survival following diagnosis is commonly reported as two to three years, although the speed and pattern of progression can differ greatly between patients.
Arrow first noticed changes in his speech late in 2025. Despite those early symptoms, he played all 24 matches for South Sydney during the 2025 NRL season.
He also experienced persistent problems with his shoulder during the second half of the campaign. Twitching later developed in his left shoulder before symptoms began affecting his right side.
Colakovic said she repeatedly convinced herself that the symptoms were caused by something other than MND. Even as Arrow’s physical condition visibly changed, she resisted considering the diagnosis until their worst fears were formally confirmed.
Arrow announced his retirement from professional rugby league earlier this year after receiving the diagnosis.
The 31-year-old has since received widespread support from clubs, players, supporters and the wider rugby league community.
The NRL launched the “Jai July” campaign to celebrate Arrow, raise awareness of MND and generate funding for research into the disease.
The campaign’s major event took place on Sunday, when Arrow’s birthday was recognised during South Sydney’s dramatic victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Arrow attended the celebration with Colakovic and their daughter, receiving an emotional show of support from fans and members of the rugby league community.
The occasion coincided with an announcement from University of Queensland researchers about a potentially important discovery linked to inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists from the university, working with international researchers, examined the molecular structure of a receptor called C5aR2, which is found on the surface of many immune cells.
The receptor is believed to play a role in inflammatory processes, but its unusual behaviour has made it difficult for scientists to understand and target.
As part of the research, the team developed a molecule known as R8Y, which binds specifically to C5aR2.
Researchers said this allowed them to examine the receptor’s structure and signalling mechanisms in greater detail.
The study found that C5aR2 does not connect to G proteins in the same way as most comparable receptors. Scientists described this as a rare and important characteristic that may explain why its role in inflammation has remained difficult to identify.
Professor Trent Woodruff said the discovery could support the development of new anti-inflammatory medicines for conditions including MND.
He suggested that a potential treatment could be ready for testing in patients within about five years, although further laboratory development, safety research and clinical trials would be required.
Researchers hope that future medicines targeting the receptor could slow inflammation associated with neurological damage.
The long-term ambition would be to transform MND from a rapidly progressing terminal illness into a condition that could be managed over a longer period.
However, the research remains at an early stage and does not yet represent an approved treatment or cure.
The international research team used the R8Y molecule to create a model showing how the drug interacts with the receptor. That model has provided scientists with additional information about how C5aR2 functions and how future medicines might be designed to target it more effectively.
Researchers are now attempting to develop improved anti-inflammatory compounds that could eventually be investigated for MND, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
For Arrow and his family, the scientific announcement offered a hopeful moment during an otherwise deeply difficult period.
Colakovic’s comments have also highlighted the experience of families living with MND, including the emotional pressure of managing daily life while facing an unpredictable future.
Although she acknowledged feeling frightened, she has continued supporting her husband publicly and privately while caring for their young daughter.
The couple’s recent wedding, Arrow’s birthday celebration and the support generated through Jai July have given the family opportunities to focus on love, community and the present.
Arrow’s diagnosis has prompted a major response across Australian rugby league, while also drawing increased attention to the need for MND research, patient support and services for affected families.
As researchers continue their work, the NRL community is rallying around Arrow and his loved ones during the most challenging battle of his life.
