Sydney forward Tom Papley has paid an emotional tribute to retired NRL star Jai Arrow, dedicating a goal celebration to the former Queensland representative during Thursday night’s blockbuster clash against Fremantle.
Papley marked a second-quarter goal with a bow-and-arrow gesture before revealing at half-time it was part of the NRL’s ‘Jai July’ campaign supporting Arrow following his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.
The Swans small forward had returned to the side after six weeks on the sidelines through injury and made an immediate impact in one of the biggest matches of the AFL season.
Asked about the celebration during Channel Seven’s half-time coverage, Papley made it clear the moment was dedicated to Arrow and his family.
‘Yeah that’s for Jai July. Jai Arrow, hope you’re going well mate, keep fighting brother,’ Papley told Channel Seven.
The tribute comes as the rugby league community rallies behind Arrow through the month-long Jai July campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds following the former South Sydney Rabbitohs forward’s medical retirement after his MND diagnosis.
Sydney Swans star Tom Papley did the NRL’s bow and arrow celebration to honour Jai Arrow
Arrow, who was forced to retire from the NRL after being diagnosed with MND, shared the tribute on social media
Arrow was a special guest of the Queensland Maroons during this year’s State of Origin series
The cross-code rivalry between the NRL and AFL has fallen as both sports honour Arrow, including at this year’s Big Freeze at the MCG
The campaign has encouraged players across the NRL to perform the bow-and-arrow celebration after tries, while corporate partners are donating money for every try scored throughout the NRL and NRLW seasons.
Fans have also been invited to contribute through fundraising initiatives supporting Arrow and his family.
Arrow has also become a prominent figure beyond rugby league since revealing his diagnosis.
Last month, he was the special guest at the AFL’s annual Big Freeze for FightMND match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, tossing the coin before Collingwood’s King’s Birthday clash against Melbourne in the first event held following the death of FightMND founder Neale Daniher.
Standing alongside captains Nick Daicos and Max Gawn, Arrow’s appearance was widely viewed as a powerful show of unity between the AFL and NRL in support of those living with MND.
Queensland State of Origin star Selwyn Cobbo also performed the arrow celebration after scoring during Wednesday night’s series decider, further highlighting the growing support for Arrow across Australian sport.
Papley’s tribute came during a contest that dramatically swung Fremantle’s way after half-time.
Sydney appeared on track to claim top spot on the AFL ladder after building a 23-point lead during the third quarter, while Fremantle’s poor conversion had produced 11 behinds without a goal before the main break.
The Dockers responded with one of their strongest second halves of the season, kicking 14 goals to five after the interval to turn the deficit into a 38-point victory and strengthen their grip on first place.
Charlie Curnow finished with five goals for Sydney in one of his best performances since joining the Swans, while Josh Treacy inspired Fremantle’s comeback with four goals after half-time.
