NRL 2020: Gold Coast Titans forward Jai Arrow has no regrets about signing with South Sydney

Sans mullet, South Sydney-bound Jai Arrow wraps up a three-year stint on the Gold Coast this weekend with no regrets even though the Titans are set to make a bold finals bid in 2021.

Gold Coast Titans forward Jai Arrow insists he has no regrets about leaving the rising club after honouring his cancer-surviving mother with a life-changing gift.

Arrow will make his 56th and final appearance in Titans colours in Friday’s clash against Newcastle at Cbus Super Stadium before he embarks on a move to South Sydney.

Arrow inked a four-year deal worth $3.2 million with the Rabbitohs last Christmas Eve after the Titans opted not to enter a bidding war for the Queensland Origin representative.

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The infamous mullet is no more Jai Arrow.

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The Titans and Rabbitohs could not reach an agreement for Arrow to head south immediately which meant he played out the final season of his contract with the Gold Coast this year.

After a poor start to the year, the Titans have won seven of their past 13 games to rocket into ninth spot on the ladder, proving the future is bright on the Gold Coast under coach Justin Holbrook.

Arrow and captain Ryan James (Canberra) will be replaced by star signings David Fifita (Broncos) and Tino Fa’aasuamaleaui (Storm) next year.

Arrow, 25, has battled rib, shoulder and back injuries this year, but will make his 18th appearance of the 20-round season against the Knights when he comes off the bench.

While there is an element of sadness about departing the Titans, Arrow said he couldn’t wait to get out of his comfort zone at Souths.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, I haven’t thought about it much, it feels a bit weird that it’s all coming to an end,” he said.

Arrow shaved his mullet off for charity.

“I’ll get to have a couple of beers with the boys after the game and say thank you. We’re in the bubble for another week after the game before we are allowed to head out and about and do normal things.

“I actually can’t wait (to join Souths), I am really excited. I’m really looking forward to it.

“It will be a good change for me. It’ll be the best thing for me to get out of my comfort zone and go somewhere foreign.

“There are definitely no regrets. I made the decision a while ago and I’m sticking with it.

“The Titans will have a place in my heart, it’s my hometown and the club is going to be great. What Justin and the two Jimmys (Dymock and Lenihan, assistant coaches) have done has been outstanding.

“With the players they’ve got coming, they will definitely be in the top eight. I hope they do well. I want to see the Gold Coast do well.

“Everyone at the club is great. I can’t thank them enough for everything.”

Jai Arrow has battled painful rib, shoulder and back injuries this season. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Arrow started the season in sensational touch but the back end of his campaign has been hampered by niggling injuries and Holbrook’s decision to look to the future by starting Tyrone Peachey at lock.

He is determined to end the season on a high by helping the resurgent Titans equal a club record five straight wins and will run out with a freshly-shaved head.

Arrow cut off his infamous mullet on Monday after raising close to $4000 for the Leukaemia Foundation’s Shave For A Cure.

Arrow’s mother, Nicole Manson, battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma 11 years ago and Arrow had always wanted to honour her.

Now an established NRL player and about to cash in with the biggest pay cheque of his career, Arrow said he had achieved a long-held goal.

“I saw what she went through, she really struggled and was very sick,” he said.

Arrow is heading to Sydney on a rich, three-year deal.

“I have always wanted to do something around charity, especially cancer. There are so many people sick with it and it’s not nice to see someone go through it.

“The mullet was for fun at the start then someone asked me if it was for charity. It all worked out perfect and I’ve been able to raise some money for a great cause.

“I’ve bought a house for mum so she can live in it when I go to Sydney - it can be her house for the rest of her life.

“My mum and dad split up when I was young and we weren’t in a great place financially. I’ve seen her struggle with that and the cancer.

“I have always wanted to buy a house for my mum since I started playing footy. I got the opportunity so I did it.”

Arrow hopes he has played well enough for the Titans to leave Gold Coast fans satisfied with his contribution to the club.

Jai Arrow has managed 18 out of 20 games for the Titans in his final season.

He will leave the Titans on good terms and is determined to end his three years at the Gold Coast on a high.

“I honestly think I’ve done all I can to put my body on the line for the club and my teammates,” he said.

“I’m really close to most of the boys in the team. I get on with everyone and love them.

“It’s sad it’s my last game but hopefully I can celebrate with them, tell them I’m going to miss them and give them a big hug and kiss – a bit of manly love.

“We want to finish the year strong and equal that club record.

“We’re going to come out firing. We won’t be holding back.”

Originally published as NRL 2020: Gold Coast Titans forward Jai Arrow has no regrets about signing with South Sydney