Jai Arrow speaks after medical retirement following MND diagnosis | 9 News Australia

Rugby League star Jai Arrow has vowed to fight after it was revealed today he's been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.The 30 -year -old is now determined to inspire others confronted with the devastating condition and he's ready to do anything possible to maintain his own quality of life for as long as he can.

At home with one -year -old daughter Isla, these are the moments Jayara treasures more than anything.

She's at a really good age now and I'm able to watch her grow into her own person and as you know she's got a really funny personality and she's my greatest strength.

Every day spent with family so important since he was delivered the devastating diagnosis.

That moment that they told you exactly what this disease is?What was your instant reaction?

I laughed, yeah.Not that I laughed, but my first question was, alright, where do I go from there?

What have doctors told you?

I have progressed, you know, from November until now.Speech is one among those things.

In a career that included 12 games for Queensland and 178 NRL appearances for the Broncos, Titans and Rabbitohs, Arrow never took a backward step.That courage on display today when he fronted up as his club revealed his condition.

It's unfortunately sad news that Jai will be announcing his immediate retirement from the NRL on medical grounds following a diagnosis of motor neurone disease.

As Jai's prepared statement was releasedout, his own words brought him to tears.

What I need right now isn't sympathy or sadness.What I need is support, understanding and privacy while my family and I navigate this difficult time.

Wayne Bennett paying tribute to the player and the larrikin he gave his debut to at the Broncos in 2016.

I've been in football all my life and he's a footballer.He's that type of bloke.He loves the fun, he loves the banter.He loves the Mo -Chip, drank a bit too often, a few times got too full, but that's the DNA.

His teammates there in support as he fights motor neurone disease, a disorder which damages the nerve cells controlling the muscles.Around 2 ,700 Australians are battling the condition at any one time and there is no cure.What does the future look like for you?

People know I am okay and I am ready.Fine.I do really have a lot.Nothing is going to take me out easy.

Medically, what can you do?

I want to do everything I can.Any trial, any medication that will maintain me for as long as possible.I want to inspire as well.I want to inspire other people who have, you know, been diagnosed.

Danica Mason, Nine News.